\^ 


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%^' 


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^ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


*\^^^ 


I 


1.0 


1.1 


■a  12.8 

■50    ^^" 

as.    12.0 


25 
2.2 


■  1.8 


BiiHy^u^ 

4 

6"     

► 

^' 


V 


Fkitogiapbic 

Sciences 

Carporation 


33  WKT  MAIN  STRHT 

WiMTIR,N.Y.  MSM 

(71*)«7a-4503 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  tnttitut*  for  Historical  Microraproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  da  microraproductiont  hiatoriquas 


:\ 


Tschnical  and  Bibliographic  Notat/Notas  tachniquat  at  bibliographiquaa 


Tha  Inatituta  liaa  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  baat 
original  copy  avaiiabia  for  filming.  Faaturaa  of  thia 
copy  which  may  ba  bibliographically  uniqua. 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction.  or  which  may  significantly  changa 
tha  uaual  mathod  of  filming,  ara  chaclcad  balow. 


0Colourad  covara/ 
Couvartura  da  coulaur 


l~n   Covers  damagad/ 


□ 


D 


Couvartura  andommagia 

Covars  raatorad  and/or  laminatad/ 
Couvartura  raataurAa  at/ou  palliculte 

Covar  titia  miaaing/ 

La  titra  da  couvartura  manqua 

Colourad  mapa/ 

Cartas  gtegraphiquaa  an  coulaur 

Colourad  ink  (i.a.  othar  than  blua  or  black)/ 
Encra  da  coulaur  (i.a.  autra  qua  bfoua  ou  noira) 


|~n   Colourad  plataa  and/or  illuatrationa/ 


D 


Planchaa  at/ou  illuatrationa  an  coulaur 


Bound  with  othar  matarial/ 
RalM  avac  d'autraa  documanta 


Tight  binding  may  causa  shadowa  or  distortion 
along  intarior  margin/ 

Laraliura  ••rr^  paut  cauaar  da  I'ombra  ou  da  la 
diatoralon  la  long  da  la  marga  intirlaura 

Blank  laavas  addad  during  rastoration  may 
appaar  within  tha  taxt.  Whanavar  posaibia,  thasa 
hava  baan  omittad  from  filming/ 
II  sa  paut  qua  cartainaa  pagaa  blanchas  ajoutias 
(ors  d'una  raatauration  apparaissant  dans  la  taxta. 
mala,  lorsqua  cala  Atait  poaalbia,  caa  pagaa  n'ont 
paa  4t«  filmias. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commantairas  supplAmantairaa; 


L'Inatitut  a  microfilm*  la  maillaur  axamplaira 
qu'il  lui  a  it*  possibia  da  sa  procurar.  Las  details 
da  cat  axamplaira  qui  sont  paut-*tra  uniquas  du 
point  da  vua  bibliographiqua.  qui  pauvant  modif iar 
una  imaga  raproduita.  ou  qui  pauvant  axigar  una 
modification  dans  la  mithoda  normala  da  filmaga 
sont  indiquAs  ci-daasous. 


D 
D 
D 
0 
D 
0 
D 
D 
D 
D 


Colourad  pagaa/ 
Pagaa  da  coulaur 

Pagaa  damagad/ 
Pagaa  andommagAas 

Pagaa  raatorad  and/or  laminatad/ 
Pagaa  raataurias  at/ou  pallicul4aa 

Pagaa  discolourad.  stainad  or  foxad/ 
Pagaa  dAcolorias.  tachatias  ou  piquias 

Pagaa  datachad/ 
Pagas  dAtachias 

Showthrough/ 
Tranaparanca 

Quality  of  print  varias/ 
Qualiti  inAgala  da  I'lmpraasion 

Includas  supplamantary  matarial/ 
Comprand  du  matiriai  suppl4mantaira 

Only  adition  avaiiabia/ 
Saula  Mition  disponibia 

Pagas  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  arrata 
slips,  tissues,  etc..  hava  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Lea  peges  totalement  ou  partiallement 
obscurcies  per  un  feuillet  d'errata.  una  pelure. 
etc..  ont  it*  filmies  i  nouveau  da  faqon  i 
obtanir  la  meilleure  imaga  possibia. 


This  item  Is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmi  au  taux  da  reduction  indiqui  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


/ 


26X 


SOX 


12X 


IfX 


»X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


Th«  eopy  film«d  hart  has  bMii  raproducad  thanks 
to  tha  ganarosity  of: 

Brock  Univtrtity 
St.  CathariiMS 


L'axamplaira  fllm4  f ut  raproduh  grica  i  la 
gAfiArosM  da: 

Brock  Univanity 
StCatharinM 


Tha  imagaa  appaart^ig  hara  ara  tha  baat  quality 
poaaibia  eonaMaring  tha  condition  and  lagibility 
of  tlw  original  eopy  and  in  kaaping  with  tlia 
filming  contract  tpaciflcatlona. 


Original  copiaa  in  printad  papar  covars  ara  filmad 
baginnbig  with  tlia  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  laat  paga  with  a  printad  or  llluatratad  impraa> 
•ion.  or  tha  iMck  covar  whan  appropriata.  All 
othar  original  copiao  ara  fMmad  baginning  on  tiM 
firat  paga  with  a  printad  or  iilustratad  impraa- 
aion.  and  anding  on  tha  laat  paga  with  a  printad 
or  iilustratad  imprassion. 


Tha  last  racordad  frama  on  aach  microficlia 
shall  contain  tha  symbol  — •»  (moaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  symbol  y  (moaning  "END"), 
wliicliavar  appHaa. 


I.aa  imagaa  suhrantaa  ont  4tA  raproduitaa  avac  la 
plus  grand  soin.  compta  tanu  da  la  condition  at 
da  hi  nattatA  da  l'axamplaira  fllmA.  at  mn 
conformit*  avac  las  conditions  du  contrat  da 
fiimaga. 

Las  axamplairaa  originaux  dont  la  couvartura  an 
papiar  aat  imprim^a  sont  filmte  sn  comman^nt 
par  la  pramlar  plat  at  mi  tarminant  salt  par  ia 
damlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  ampralnta 
dimpraasion  ou  dlHuatration,  sdt  par  la  sacond 
ptat,  salon  la  caa.  Toua  las  sutraa  axamplairaa 
originaux  sont  filmto  an  commandant  par  la 
pramMra  paga  qui  comporta  una  ampralnta 
dimpraaalon  ou  dllluatration  at  an  tarminam  par 
la  damlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  talla 
ampralnta. 

Un  daa  symbolas  suivants  apparaftra  sur  la 
damMra  imaga  da  chaqua  mlcroficha,  salon  la 
cas:  la  symbola  — »>  signifia  "A  8UIVRE",  la 
symbola  y  signifia  "FIN". 


Maps,  platas.  charts,  ate.,  may  ba  filmad  at 
diffarant  reduction  ratios.  Tliosa  too  large  to  be 
entirely  Included  in  one  exposure  ere  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  liand  comer,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  ae  many  framee  aa 
required.  The  following  diagrams  Illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartas,  planches,  tableeux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
filmte  A  dee  taux  da  rAduction  diff Arents. 
l.orsque  le  document  eet  trop  grand  pour  Atra 
raproduit  en  un  seul  clichA,  11  eet  fHmA  A  partir 
da  I'angia  supArieur  gauche,  do  gauclw  A  droite, 
et  do  haut  en  bee,  sn  prenent  le  nombre 
d'imeges  nAceesaire.  Lee  diegrammes  suivants 
iiiustrant  la  mAthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

'  2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

m 


LIBRAH 1 
6Cl  UNIVERSITT 


mi^immmm 


*^ 


IPnblts^g,  ^oobellhig,  SMonei^, 

AND  NEWS  HOXraS, 

ta>  at  Mifn  Wt  XHfihttiMM  gtlL  Iffonrimi  BIiOOIl  Boifidlli  H.  Y. 


♦  »  •♦■ 


A  New  Novel  by  I<over! 


TOM 


JUST  PUBLISHED, 

AflfD  HIS  FBIENDS. 

%f  Saxubl  Lovie,  Esq., 


e  :K 


Author  of  **  Handy  Andy,"  *<  Pounds,  ShUUnn  and  Pence,'* 
"BoryO-Mor^^etc 

(XfllPLBTB  IN  ONE  VOL.   ILLUSTRATED. 
Prioo  SO  Oontt. 


JtZVEAOn  FEOM  NOTIOiB  OF  THE  PEB88. 

Will  be  eagerly  read  by  all  admirers  of  wit,  humor  and 
talent.— IK^^nM. 

A  new  story  of  Jrish  life,  written  in  Lover's  usual 
haj^py  strain.— 7Vu(A  teller. 

Far  superior  to  Handy  Andy.— (7ayi^a  Sa^em, 

Tom  Crosbie  will  be  read  and  re-read  until  its  leayes 
became  torn  and  black,  by  every  one  who  loves  Irish  anec- 
dotes, Irish  blarney,  Irish  adventuresi,  catastrophies,  blun- 
deii^  courtships,  love  scenes,  quarrels,  and  shilelahs.  The 
comic  scenes  are  told  in  the  very  froth  of  Lover's  humor. 
The  reading  of  any  chapter  will  shake  the  fat  on  the  ribs 
of  the  bluest  hypochondriac— iV!  F.  Dutchman, 

For  sale  by  all  Booksellers. 


I*  Copies  mailed  upon  receipt  of  prioo. 


AddKMM 


A.  BXJBKE, 


Publisher, 
BuflUo. 


i 


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BtJRKE^S 


DESCRIPTIVE   GUIDE; 

OB,  THJB  # 

VISITORS'   COMPANION 


TO 


NIAGARA    FALLS: 


iTi 


STRANGE  AND  WONDEBTUL  lOCALITIES. 


BY   AN    OLD    RESIDENT. 


BUFFALO: 
ANDREW    BURKE, 

PUBLISHER,  BOOKSELLER  AND  STATIONER, 

Maoaion  Houm  Block* 

1853. 


ai 


N 


PBEFAOE. 


Thb  peculiar  office  of  a  guide,  is  to  pomt  out 
spots  of  interest,  and  relate  what  is  interesting 
libout  them.  This  we  have  endeavored  to  accom- 
plish in  the  following  pages  ;  leaving  as  much  as 
possible  to  the  mind  and  taste  of  the  stranger  who 
visits,  that  he  may  see  and  imderatand.  We  have 
refrained  altogether  from  any  poetic  distraction,  so 
often  indulged  in  by  more  fanciful  guides. 

Our  office  has  been  a  grand  one,  but  we  have 
endeavored  to  ffil  it  with  that  simplicity  and  mo- 
desty, so  much  more  becoming  in  view  of  the  awful- 
grandeur  of  the  scenes,  we  hiunbly  lead  to.  Our 
only  hope  bemg  that  we  have  given  satisfiicticm. 


AittrtdMeoidinf  toanAetofCoiigrwi,1if  Ammvir  Bvxkb,  iatli*  CI<rk*kOfllte 
of  ttitI>toM«tOoiStoftk«Uiiit«dBMM.i»  -    "    "       ^  ^^"^ 


iiKtm,  fcr  tfa*  Jiortlien  DMrtsI  of  N«w  Yor^* 


1 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 

TO 

NIAGARA    FALLS 


^'>^t0»t0*0k^t^^*0^^^m^^0*tm0t^ 


THE    JOURNEY. 

Stranobr — if  you  are  now  ready,  we  will 
proceed  to  the  depot  of  the  Bufiklo  and  Niag^ 
ara  Falls  Railroad,  on  Erie  Street,  and  procure 
Tickets. 

The  trains  leave  at  0.  A.  M.;  at  12.45, 8.45,  and 
at  6.30,  P.M.  . 

Look  sharp,  the  bell  rings^  and  nere  go&^ 


THE     TRAIN. 


The  road  has  been  rery  recently  re-laid  with 
the  T  rail,  and  the  speed  b  now  equal  to  anything 


p. 


Fl 


DISORIPnyB  OUIDl 


Tha  CM*— BloMomI  Gi«t»— Workhooac— Mr.  Cm%  iwidMMa. 


I 

m  the  United  States.  Teiy  pleasant  cars,  careful 
engineers,  and  the  most  affable  conductor  to  be 
found  between  this  and  the  unknown  regions  about 
the  North  Pole. 

We  are  moving— quicker  and  quicker;  ah,  there 
we  go.  See  how  the  houses  flit  hj  us  I  What 
shodd  we  do,  were  it  not  for  Baikoads  ?  Won- 
derful creature  is  man.  Is'nt  he.  Mamma?  We 
are  now  flying  through  Sixth-street,  and  now  we 
are  out  of  town.  You  see  that  picturesque  grove 
on  the  left — ^that  is  Blossom's  Grove  ;  and  that 
large  brick  building,  with  the  dark  wing  of  blue 
stone,  having  its  windows  thickly  barred  with  iron, 
is  the  Workhouse,  a  structure  not  more  than 
two  years  old,  yet  it  could  tell  full  many  a  tale  of 
crime;  for,  its  young  waUs  are  darkly  experienced 
in  the  wickedness  of  Adam's  sons  and  daughters. 
A  short  time  since  it  took  fire,  or  rather  was  set  on 
fire,  and  the  roof  and  upper  part  were  considerably 
burnt  Yet  the  terrified  inmates  did  not  dare  to 
escape.  We  are  now  running  up  hilL  That  Man- 
sion of  cut  stone,  with  the  rich  Grecian  portico^ 
which  you  see  on  the  right  is  Mr.  Coe's,  a  citizen 
of  wealth  and  repute.  And  on  the  left,  that  Gothic 
castle  is  the  property  of  the  United  States  Govern- 
ment, and  is  used  for  a  Military  Engineer's  Office, 


NE 

wa 


TO  KUOARA  VALLB. 


Fort— VUw  of  BnflklOt  *e.»HAwloy  houM. 


and  residence  of  the  Lieutenant's  family.  This 
castle  or  castellated  mansion  was  erected  by  Colo- 
nel James  MoKat,  a  citizen  of  taste  and  spirit^  and 
was  purchased  from  him  by  the  goyemment,  for 
thirty  thousand  dollars.  On  part  of  the  land  they 
have  erected  a  redoubt  or  fort,  which  you  m&y  see 
adjoining  it 

Thid  fort  is  admirably  planned  m  the  form  of  a 
pentagon  or  figure  of  five  sides.  Its  walls  rise 
from  the  solid  rock,  and  are  seven  feet  thick,  of 
blue  lime  stone,  beautifully  wrought  Its  roof  is 
arched  and  covered  with  gypsum,  and  sodded  with 
grass.  It  is  five  feet  thick  and  perfectly  bomb- 
proof From  this  roof,  on  which  two  Paixan  guns 
are  to  be  placed,  is  a  magnificent  view  of  Buffalo^ 
Lake  Erie,  the  Canada  shore,  and  the  river  Niagara 
to  the  very  Falls.  This  Fort  occupies  a  most  com- 
manding position  and  is  capable  of  sheltering  eight 
hundred  men,  for  whose  comfort  a  pure  spring  of 
water  swells  up  in  its  midst  from  the  solid  rock. 

That  tall  porticoed  stone  building  to  your  right 
is  called  Hawlet  House.  It  was  built  by  Seth 
C.  Hawlet,  Esq.,  at  a  ti  cne  when  speculation  was 
at  its  highest,  and  the  owner  intended  that  to  be 
one  wing  of  his  proposed  palace.  He  failed  -r-and 
]liere  it  stands  an  overgrown  tombstone  of  inten« 


L 


m 


6 


DESOHIPTIYE   GUIBB 


Erie  Canal— Black  Rock— Block  Rock  Dam. 


tions  too  mighty  to  outJive  the  rude  blasts  of 
adversity. 

The  Erie  Canal  here  runs  alongside  of  the  river 
Niagara,  from  which  it  is  only  divided  by  a  pier, 
which  forms  the  harbour  of 

BLACK    ROOK. 

This  place  was,  at  one  time,  the  rival  of  Buffalo, 
and  on  account  of  its  superior  accommodation  for 
shipping,  it  maintained  an  ascendency  for  some  time 
over  the  "  Queen  City  of  the  Lakes.**  In  the  war 
of  1812-  Conunodore  Perry  here  hid  his  vessels 
for  the  winter,  so  effectually  that  the  British  knew 
nothing  of  their  dangerous  neighbour  until  he  sud- 
denly came  forth  from  his  shelter  and  pounced 
upon  theuL  The  actual  spot  where  the  United 
States  ships  sheltered  is  below  what  is  called 

BLACK     ROCK    DAM. 

The  village  is  one  mile  in  length,  being  divided 
into  Upper  and  Lower  Black  Eock;  the  latter  be- 
ing near  the  Dam  formed  by  a  pier  of  two  miles  in 
length  which  has  its  termination  on  Bird  Island, 
opposite  Buffalo. 

This  village  contains  something  over  two  hundred 
houses,  and  about  one  thousand  inhabitants,  pre- 
Bcnting  at  present  but  a  poor  apology  for  its  former 


TO  lOAOARA.  FALLS. 


Steam  Fen7u.Upp«r  Black  Rook  to  Waterloo. 


pretensions.  There  are,  however,  several  mills  in 
operation,  and  sites  for  as  many  more.  But  the 
velocity  of  the  current  of  the  Niagara  and  dangers 
of  its  entrance,  on  account  of  hidden  reefs  of  rocks 
must  always  act  as  a,  barrier  against  the  prosperity 
of  the  place. 

There  is  a  steam  ferry,  crosses  at  Upper  Black 
Bock  to  the  village  of  Waterloo,  on  the  opposite 
shores  of  Canada;  and  at  any  time  that  a  stranger 
wishes  to  ride  on  the  rapid  current  of  the  Niagara, 
or  to  cross  its  course,  he  can  here  readily  find 


▲    SAIL    BOAT. 


i,^ 


■I 


8 


DBSORIPTIVS   OUIDB 


M 


Gtand  IdmdF-PaiidlAtoa. 


TONAWANDA. 

E  now  approach  Tonawanda,  wbich 
lis  twelve  miles  from  Buffalo.    It  is  sit- 
I  uated  at  the  mouth  of  the  creek  of  the 
I  same  name,  joining  the  Niagara,  di- 
rectly opposite  the  widest  part  of 

GRAND     ISLAND. 

Here  the  Erie  Canal,  lakmg  advantage  of  this 
noble  creek,  leaves  the  river  and  follows  it  to  Pen- 
dleton, about  twelve  miles  distant  Here,  also,  the 
traveller  on  the  American  shore,  is  at  the  widest 
part  of  the  Niagara  Biver  away  from  her  British 
Majesty's  dominions,  with  all  the  accompanying 
fencies  of  Thrones, 


CROWNS    AND     SCEPTRES. 

ToNAWANDA  lics  on  both  sides  of  the  creek;  is 
a  pleasant  village,  containing  some  two  thousand 


t  which 
[t  is  sit- 
^of  the 
ara,  di- 


of  this 
0  Pen- 
so,  the 
widest 
British 
mying 


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1 

.( 

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1 

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1 

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■.1 J 


'     .ii 


TO  HUOARA  FALLS. 


9 


The  Vilkg*— it!  pntandoni. 


inhabitants  and  derives  its  name  from  the  Indian 
of  swift  running  water,  which  term  is  rather  mys- 
terious, the  Creek  being  very  deep  and  sluggish. 

This  village  in  the  years  '48  and  '9,  also  put  up 
pretensions  to  cope  with  Buffalo.  The  Merchants 
of  Cleveland,  jealous  of  the  prosperity  of  the 
"  Queen  City,"  under  pretence  of  want  of  sufficient 
harbour  room,  came  boldly  out  and  published  a 
plan  to  make  Tonawanda  the  port  for  the  discharge 
of  Western  produce  intended  for  the  Eastern 
market  They  soon  erected  elevators,  wharves, 
<&c.,  but  without  any  apparent  disadvantage  to 
BufiFalo. 

There  is  here  a  dam  of  dghty-four  feet  in  width 
which,  at  the  same  time  that  it  benefits  the  Canal, 
produces  a  very  interesting  fall  or  cascade.  It  is 
crossed  by  a  long  wooden  bridge  on  which  the  rail 
road  to  Niagara  Falls  runs.  •  • 

The  1owaa^3S  of  Tonawanda^  and  sluggishness  of 
its  creek,  will  always  make  it  a  prosperous  place 
for  rheumatism  and  ague,  and  most  fit  for  a  specu- 
lation  in 


BURIAL    GROUNDS. 


Ilvfiil  Wrltrn,  /rail'W*^!^'''  i 


ASD  VIcmiTY 


1855.  ^ 


Jiii^Mys  /,< 


XJ'afafftct    House. 
X.Uflf'rrtftfnjnftf  Hot,! .       ' V^.ffrJ^^^\^ 
•  yNltitiarn  Fn/J.t  t/ofel .  "    ^  ■ 

A.Rfiil  Itofifl  Ih^ynf . 

^'""^^^^ 
SK(  T IPX  of  thf  SI. OPE  MliaTi  occa«iioiig  the  FALLS':  "'^  ''■^  ^^ 


latt  I-   m  l.^k.    A...    1.    //i.    hr„J  ,1  ih,   ,., 
V  'i^  v-"-'*'  '■«//     .  "  I'll   'ill"  '  .  rA  iiJi- 


.If  '< 


t.<Htn,m    tK- ^-.M  ftllhU'  l.tivittrn  II   i   Irft  theHtf   tl   J  <Jl<    I'lltarif    i   I         IVO         {i 


.  i  wjz  s  o  jr 


^i 


10 


DXaOBIPTXVB   GUIDS 


White  HaTca— Anant. 


CITY  OF  ARRARAT.     . 

PPOSITE  to  Tonawanda,  on 
Grand  Island,  is  the  little  hamlet  called 
White  Havxk,  pleasantly  aituated, 
which,  with  its  mills,  occupies  the  site 
of  the  proposed    . 

JEWISH    OITT    OF    ARRARAT. 

In  the  year  1825,  the  well  known  Major  M.  M. 
Noah,  like  imto  his  namesake  of  yore,  took  it  into 
his  head  to  form  heif  a  city,  where  all  the  Jews 
that  had  not  been  deluged  by  the  prevailing  waters 
of  christiaiiity,  might  assemble  and  dwell  together 
in  this  city  of  the  ark,  formed  not  of  tents,  but  of 
log  and  frame  houses. 

This  modem  JSfoah  after  having  a  ginger-bread 
and  tinsel  display  in  Buffalo,  m  which  he  took  upon 
him  the  degrees  of  **  Proprietor,  Prince  and  Pa- 
triarch, Governor  and  Judge  of  IsraeV  previous 
to  the  laying  of  the  comer  stone,  \^hich  took  place 
a  few  days  after  at  Grand  Island  (then  an  inter- 
minable forest)  but  which  comer  stone  remains 
unclaimed  and  unoccupied  by  the  wandering  Jewa 


P* 


p 


f 


) 


i 


p 


n? 


V 


TO  mJMARL  WALLS. 


11 


Jewbh  MoiiiiaMBi--Oraiid  bland. 


There  is  a  Monument  to  be  seen,  however,  com- 
posed of  brick,  mortar  and  wood  on  which  are 
engraved  in  the  JEebrew  character  the  following 
words: 


••rniB^  '^'^ifi^nrD  yaw 


«<W«rf*#«#^f^»«^^^^^^^MV^M*M^ 


•     ABRARAT. 
A  GITT  OF  REFUOB  FOR  THE  JEWS: 
Foondad  by  Moidacai  M.  Noah;  In «ha  aMnth 

Tiiri,S686, 
Saptambar,  1IS6,  in  tha  56{h  ya«r  of  Amaiiean 
bdapandanea. 


I  Grand  Island  has  many  cidtivated  lots  scat- 
tered over  it;  and  land  ii^ offered  by  the  proprietor 
at  very  reasonable*terms  to  induce  the  complete 
set^ement  of  it  The  Island  abounds  in  game,  is 
watered  by  numerous  springs,  and  is  in  every  way 
adapted  to  agricultural  purposes.  It  is  constantly 
visited  by  that  peculiar  class  of  Buffalo  gentlejiien, ' 
colling  themselves 


SPORTSMEN. 


12 


»' 


DBSORIFTIVB   OUIDB 


BohloMw  LaBdlBC^N»T7  Itluid^-OnHid  bland. 


SCHLOSSER. 


I N  E  miles  below  Tonawanda,  we  pass 
ScHLossER  Landii^,  Celebrated  as  the 
spot  where  the  steamer  Caroline  was 
cut  loose  by  English  militia,  one  night 
in  the  winter  of  1837,  during  the  rebellion  of 
Canada 

The  insurgents,  calling  themselves  "Patriots," 
being  driven  from  their  purpose,  the  leaders  took 
up  their  stand  on  Navy  Island,  which,  you  may  see 
there  separated  by  a  narrow  channel  from  Grand 
Island,  and  having  been  visited  by  great  numbers 
from  the  American  side,  through  curiosity,  the 
little  steamboat  Caroline,  of  Buffalo,  was  put  upon 


■>*^ 


S: 


• 


.,^ 


Ik 


/ 


b 


h 
r 


TO  NIAGARA  TAUA 


Id 


Fmy  Boat  CbtoUm— Its  dMtraetioa  rwolT«d  on* 


the  line  as  a  ferry  boaC;  a  speculation  which  proved 
very  lucrative  to  the  owner.  But  scarce  had  her 
tide  of  trade  began  when  she  was  reported  to 
Colonel  Sir  Allan  N.  McNab,  then  commanding  a 
force  of  nearly  three  thousand  men  at  Chippewa, 
as  a  craft  whose  employment  was  conveying  aid 
and  comfort  to  the  **  Patriots  "  on  Navy  Island. 

Acting  under  that  impression,  this  British  Com- 
mander resolved  on  the  destruction  of  the  Caro- 
line and  detailed  a  chosen  gang.  Accordingly  to 
cany  out  his  plans,  this  gallant  expedition  was 
placed  under  the  conduct  of  a  half-pay  Captain  of 
the  Boyal  Navy.  At  the  solenm  hour  of  midnight 
CoL  MoNab  reviewed  the  expedition  which  imme- 
diately after  departed  on  its  fiendish  mission  in 
eight  boats. 

SoHLossER  was  then,  as  it  is  still,  a  place  where 
no  accommodation  was  to  be  had.  What  was  called 
a  tavern,  was  but  a  miserable  excuse  for  Hiat  ne- 
cessary institution,  and  as  a  matter  of  course . 
numbers  filled  the  sleeping  places  of  the  Caroline. 
She  was  moored  there  at  the  wharf.  There  were 
no  offensive  or  defensive  weap^is  on  board.  She 
was  floating  under  her  national  colors  in  her  own 
legitimate  waters.  Midnight  came,  and  the  solitary 
watchman  on  the  deck  was  totally  unaware  of  the 


I 


14 


DISOIFnyS  GUIDB 


DMtmotioa  of  th*  CafoliM. 


danger  that  awaited  the  crafL  When  suddenly  i 
he  hears  the  plash  of  oars  and  the  rippling  at  the 
bows  of  approaching  boats.  In  answer  to  the 
sentry's  challenge  of  "Who  goes  there?" — 
"  Friends,"  was  the  reply,  and  in  another  instant 
the  deck  was  alive  with  armed  men.  The  scene 
that  ensued  was  frightful  The  dismayed  sleepers 
rushed  upon  deck.  There  was  a  violent  struggle 
between  life  and  death — ^fire  arms  were  freely  used 
by  the  British;  and,  amid  the  cries  of  **  Cut  them 
down  1  give  no  quarter !"  Half  dressed  men  were 
seen  to  spring  upon  the  wharf  through  showers  of 
blows  aimed  at  their  life.  The  last  man  that  ap- 
peared upon  deck,  was  poor  Durfee.  He  stood 
awhile  attemptmg  to  ward  off  the  thrusts  made 
at  him,  and  at  last  Eiucceeded  in  jumping  on  shore. 
But  a  too  well  aimed  pistol  shot  laid  the  poor  fel- 
low dead  upon  the  wharf 

Having  accomplished  so  much  of  their  errand, 
these  gallant  invaders  cut  the  Caroline  loose  from 
her  moorings,  and,  having  got  all  theur  precious 
band  into  the  boats,  they  pulled  back  to  Her  Ma- 
jesty's dominions,  while  the  devoted  little  steamer 
floated  into  the  wild  current  of  the  Niagara,  enve- 
loped in  flames,  which  lit  up  the  awful  darkness  of 
the  night  amid  the  brutal  triumph  of  her  destroyers. 


TO  HUOAIU  WJLLIM. 


16 


TIm  CmoUb*  OB  in. 


Swifter  and  swifter  still  she  goes  on  )i^  eternal 
Toyage.  She  rides  the  rapids.  Thb  raging  ele- 
ments of  fire  and  water  battle  fiercely  for  their 
own.  She  reaches  the  awful  precipice.  As  the 
dying  embers  light  more  brightly  when  about  to 
expire.  So  the  doomed  Caroline  enwrapt  in  flame 
that  flies  to  Hearen  for  vengeance,  lifted  her  form 
to  the  cataracts  breast,  and  plunged  amid  the 
hissmg  roar  of  that  mysterious  M  into  annihila- 
tion! 


•Y 


16 


DKSCBIPTIVK  OUIDB 


I  IfwiMi 


"sTft/rfi^t'^ 


.HERE  U  now  a  plank  road  from 
Sosser  Landing  to  Niaga^^^ 

iri1M1IIIMl-|"i  *"P  "'^^  Pleas*^*'  f 

^^^  ^f'lltli  is  «.e  last  place 
,  Chippbwa,  on  *«  ^^"^  '  jji^gara  Biver 
that  is  navigable  with  safety  on  the  iN    g 

,hich  even  here  is  ^^^^^^^^^  Creeks  are  the 
The  Tonawanda  and  Chippewa  v.r 

onlyau^lliariestot^N^-a.^^^       interest 

^°"'  ""S'SitfoScaUon.  never  of  any 
"^^  ^ceT^  erected  during  the  French 
great  «'Pff^''"' J^Ued  ite  waxlike  features  to 
^ar.  and  has  .^'^IJ'ffJ^,  it  stood  upon  a 
the  simple  smiles  of  »*^  ^  ,„^  and  the 
gentle  elevation  between  A   P^sent        ^^^  ^^^ 

river.  This  place  is  ^  r^^^"  y,,  distinctly 
Vlu£  the  thunders  of  whicU  ^«J  "  „  .,  4 
W'now  over  the  noise  of  the  rushmg  Railroad 

'^''^       .    T       T«  »KT,  wWch  Stands  in  all  its 
There  U  Ibis  ^"^'^1^  of  whiteness  di- 
Bummer  bloom  and  winter  purity  01  wm 


^  h 


ttt: 


S 


% 


'M  |!^4<a;4^  fV^XB. 


m 

—a 


V^tag«  «r  Nia««m  ^allf-IUairMd,  to  Lpck|»OFt. 


viding  Jdxe.  tumblliQg  waters  as  t|io^<>||^jr']Beek 

th^ir  gallant ;  leap  1   //V^6  J^s^y^  ra6opi}(iplisb^4]^^^i^ 

journey.  rTbe  ^teato  vhistle,8Cre^^h|« ;.an4H7}w*^i 

'presto!.  We  eater  J  -  l^rllu^ 'ioqmvifB^M^-^^^i  ! 

!  r  -1-  f      r*»  V       i->  If  r     •  t    r  ' 

-]■]<".'  '  ■■'  '.]■;/•'■       .'     •    <'       /'       -!    --/I      j^.y '■"''••    •• 

H  19  ^W^r^We  pj^c)  Fas  M^  i9Jft 
iQ.lqtjs  by  tbe Jl^^te  Juijoi;  Poi^Tf^,  fo 
:  wboiA  nearly  t]|L^  entire  prqpejrty,  ^- 
cluding  the^picturesque  islan(||^  fti:i^® 
catarftQt^  as  well  as  adjacent  toit,  belongs.^  ,^,,|,.j,.j  ^ 
r .  f  It  b  laid  out  witb  s^  vmI  ju4gxQcnt»  i^id  itb^fo 
Js  little  doubt  itiWUl  ycitsweU  mtp  a  fine  mai^u&e- 
tu^g  town^  if.  not  a  city.  Some  brick  and  stone 
blocks  have  been  put  up  within  a  year.  4a  ^pf' 
copalian  and  a  Presbyterian  Church  have  also 
been  erected,  as  also  a  Roman  Catholic  Church  of 
stone.  The  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Sons  of  Tem- 
perance have  gorgeous  hall%^  pn  the  main  street 
Both  orders  are  in  a  very  flourishing  state.  \ 

This  is  the  main  street  through  which  we  are 
now  steaming.  It  crosses  our  track  at  right  angles 
and  that  line  of  rail  which  you  observe  runs 
through  the  middle  of  it,  is  the  Raih-oad  to  Lock- 
port>  on  the  Erie  Canal,  about  24  miles  from  this. 


3 


mmmm 


msmmmmm 


mm 


I    \ 


'V 


*8 


'^tllilifiKII^i^  dUS)9B 


]j^)iiii(ii;  (^ 


^  The  vQIa^  pres^ntd  niatty  pkoed'of  aoiMisemeii^^ 
Mtkitt^^liard^^^^^  Alleys,  a  Public 

^6ai^ii/  and '  is  &Iso  possessed  of  a  smart  Itde 
Weekly  Newspaper  called  **  The  Iris  of  Niaga)ra»" 
published  by  G.  W.  Hagestaff,  an  English  gen- 
tleman; who  fenneriy  published  m  Canada  an 
independent  journal,  thoroughly  advocating  libera] 
j^Aiciples,  entxtied  "  The  Lohdon  Enqpjper." 

Ilie  Tdegf aiiMc  wlreii  bpetate  he^  incofqund- 
lion  wi^dieiOanadia  Line.  So  t^aV  should  any 
Infdfixiatiou^ '^  li^qui)^,  ^  any  tnessage  sent,  th^ 
anxious  paHi^i^  will  not '  hare  to  wait  upon  the 
:-iiick^bpeed  <^  ihat  ninirdd  hiift^tion  which 
h6ri^  bruised  p6^  boys,  and  too  dfteniuled 
tbptoire,  with  sAxf  iipde  of  decency^  its  tight  to 
like  title  of-'       >     nMiiw  qu  ;^;-  ■      ..t  ^rmd  ft '. 


A.R    <;•?■. 


•'   jioirf^^JToao'::' 


J.l:j  ...JtjU 


.•)f'.;>r^  i 


tnm  BXPR18S. 


•  ■■.•-'jLt' 


.  I    ■  •.  v:,i ; 


,    ••    f    k     > 


c-'V^'l 


"  «S*>magMB  V,  »■  r,  V 


mUmi 


^■iiti£o'taLk''^kEM 


U 


Emaimld  StttfflitbMt 


-h;.."'- 


STEAM5©AT  ROU\.  TO  TBS  FALLa 

/      ■■;■' 

''it'' 

S  it  is  to  the  k  jlerest  of  the  sigHt^ 
seer  to  be  put  in  possession  of  that 
knowledge  wluch  will  enable  him  to 
i^lkoos^^  bis  bwki  tOHi^6yittnd;o>7eo<>iye 
'BB?  ikiit^  0f  ^  mlbriiialdon,  fie  came^  perhaps,  irOm 
a  great  distance  to  gather.  Wd  ieeA  oiU:  dutgjr  miW 
as  a  good  and  faithful  guide,  and  worthy  of  all  re- 
pute, to  call  the  attention  of  our  reiidet'  to  the 
Falls  by  the 


STEAMBOAT. 


The  lilide  craft  QHfton  sterte  from  Buffalo 
every  day  at  9  o'clock ;  and,  as  she  very  soon  gets 
into  the  current  of  the  Nii^ara  you  find  yourself 
gHditig  aWay,  m  in  ^  fairy  dream^'on  tbe  bosom  of 


J  .... 


d^^SUM 


usmmm 


those  very  waters  which  soon  will  take  that  leap 
which,  rather  than  take,  you  would  submit  to  be 


SHOT    AT, 


v 


Ha»k4  The  hist  bell  rings:  '<  All  aboard  iOiere  I" 
^'In  with  the  plank'V  Plaah  go  tho  padc|le8.-r 
She  is  under  irayl 


: '  ciiifti 


I 


\4 


Look  towards  the  bow  and  you  see  tiie  green 
wooded  shores  of  Canada.    Look  to  the  left  and 


I 


^mm 


M 


:^ 


r 


TO '  NlXaABA  tAllai 


it- 


I*  Qaedn  City  of  the  Xalcet  '*— FoH  Erie. 


you  see  tliat  you  are  just  passing  the  pier  and  light- 
'  house  of  Buffalo— and  now  look  to  the  right  and 
you  see  the  "Queen  Gity  of  the  Lakes^"  with  her 
many  churches  ir spiring  towards  -  Heaven,  but 
siSokiiig  to  earth  with  the  tenacity  of  stones  and 
,  niottar.  '  ';•■■'         '•  .  .^    ■ 

' ^Buffalo  has «phing  from- the  very  Womb  of  ne- 
cessity.   The  position  she  hblds' is  impregnable  to 
the  as^ults  (rf  rivalry.      Sh6   mtist   grow,  and 
igrowirig,' fehe  must  expidnd  ultimately  to  the  size 
of  a  first  rate  city,  blesi^ed  with  commerce,  arid  ^h-' 


dowed  with  ca|)i^L 


)rral  <•] 


■^n'xBl)  »>fa(Ml  }I'-M?[c[ 


There  6n  the  left,  ^dii  <liie'  Caniada  shore,  l^rhitjh 
we  ate  iiekin^,  stand  the  ruins  of  'Port'  Erie/  It 
is  directly  opposite  to  Buffalo,  and  still  retains  1^ 
remains  of  its  foriHer  strength,  having  the  creifit, 
even  in  ttese  days,  amongst  military  engineers  bi^ ' 
being  admirably  planned  and  soundly  execut^di-^ 
It  was  erected  by  the  French  about  a  century  ago, 
and  was  the  scene  of  some  glorious  exploits  during 
the  border  wars  of  1812  to  1814  being  captured 
during  the  latter  year  by  Major  General  Brown, 
taking  its  commanrW^t,  Major  Buck,  with  one 
hundred  and  thirty-sever  men  prisoners  of  war.— 
The  American  general  after  the  a&dr  of  Port 
George  and  the  battle  of  Chippewa  and  Niaiijara,' 


j..i'.'...i^  - 1.  iJii  w^^mmmmm 


^srvTSja^T" 


^ 


PlflPIW^iyjB;  JTO?D?8, 


>«■ 


! 


.   yiMijMyjy-ry^tw^ 


of  t£«  ij^fiiti^  ^t|r^a|^cmipfli«^ 

o(E^i^hje^il?jOrtj>l^:.ij[iQ,,A^^  ^>j\^  /v^^  Vmt 

which  pomt  the  explosion  of  the  boiler  p^.:|)^i9^ 

t«?^«)fc^%e9j^ift^iPoi*p^  i;p9n|j^njf^, 

Black  IkiDlf^  deteitt^    to  landrjb^^  gas^i^^ 

]^(^|^i^ip|d^  ^t^ntfb.repc^  ^iii  the  wwa?^? 

irdowii  ihj5.  H       to.  Blftf  \ 


m!i'- 


.^,Weyi9^|^  iil^'pamg  theUtdeioUi^,  wlu^^^^ 
dis(^a)<lit%,.S9Pire  than  a  mile  andt  a  half  irotn 
l^IBSije.-fJl^  h^i  about  fifty  houses  and  a  little 
4;pr  t;J^e^  l^i^i|4r^id  inhabitinta     Axkj  pe^son^ 


mmmmmmmm 


;-)i 


)1 


•■ 

f 


•■Wr 


I  wishing  to  Tisit  Fort  Erie,  or  to  proceed  to  the 
Falls  from  this  pduit,  can  at  all  times  find  convey- 
ances at  moderate  rates. 

There  is  a  steam  ferry  which  pKes  between  this 
pomt  and  Black  Book  on  t|bejOppp4f^|Bl^(>re. 

This  and  Chippewa  are  tiie  only  two  villages 

I  itogr  Die  &m4ar.^^lmmA^^  ikof^m^lUtd 

pfo^^r^'  dpi??!  hei#i  /W*terlo(5i  pDifentsi  A«( 
sape  woq4^  af{^t)n^  ^  U»,M  mim  IwlMMSp 
y^^ag^    Buty  fshpiiHd  aiiipi^^ iqr«.t|i){K^|^^ 


I 


I    ti,-'-'' 


if:  T      :j  . 


■  '..,■. 


:^  nl 


[■#«*MMk  .^••^^•^♦•-•^•i».iir»- ■»•♦«#-• 


^ 


t^ 


pBBOBtFTnnH  OuZDs 


1. 


jiiu^  ..lil<Mi4^i0Mffai'lii^ 


od-t  Qt  tor    .. ;^   -K     .'  .  '^  ■    rio'a  :i:.:/  oi  ^aiii»m 
--pYxioii  kill  £!:;jfuJJ villi  -M  u:  •>  ,  '  "    .    ":D  riiu:il.a!?H'l 

«in}.  nv:>wJini  ^u^i  rfolfe  Ti-t^  £cm^;''>  3  al^^/udT. 

I  a^li^ili/  ov/.f  7ftio  o/li  -^ii  \p,:r3(i\?i.ii'v>  bm?  siilT 

;  enuid^  Iiribwl  to0k«.  ff&axefk&'it  abobi  h^'^Waiy^ 
!  pait  itK  > t  ftdi^  kib»  lAVer  Nl^ii^'bitNEd^  jp^ 
,  wM^/k  erghl  i^e^  firbka  iii^^Giiida  i^lkie'toi^^^ 

the  rhreiv  hrtmir  ^^l^imrihk^^ 

i  Island  are  about  three  quarters,  or  a  mile  broad. 

I    It  is  strsmge  hov?  this  extraordinary  ^ver,  varies 

'  both  in  its  breadth  and  depth.    Where  we  are  now 

sailing  looks  calm  and  beautiful.    Here  opposite 

ScHLOssER,  the  Niagara  is  three  miles  wide.    A 

little  farther  down  it  narrows  its  course  to  three 

quarters  of  a  mile,  and  becomes  impetuous  in  itA 

progress,  a  little  farther  down  it  expands  again  to 

a  mile  and  a  half    At  the  Falls  it  is  again  thre^ 

quarters  of  a  mile  wide.    At  the  Whirlpool  be- 

low  the  Falls,  the  river  is  but  one  hundred  an  I 

forty-five  yards  in  breadth. 

It  is  still  more  unequal  in  its  depth.*    In  soma 
jplaces  it  is  not  quite  fourteen  feet,  while  in  pthen 


.^  W*-   <•'    •'a 


mSK 


t^utgtitiimmmmmtmmimmmmmm 


TO' ifttoiiiii.  idLftti.; 


30L 


tmukmtmmtmmamimttmmm 


VmmIi. 


the  soundin^lead  has  gone  down  ^t^a  hundred  and 
eighty-nine  feet 

The  sudden  fjalls  and  level  in  this  riyer  are  not 
ito  least  curipdtyC  /  H^ico  Two,' behold:  "^it  sleeping 
peacefuUy,.with  scarcely  the  appearance  of  a  cor- 
rl^  1^  luium^  it^th^^ 

a^'qtabk-'desteenti-  ^  '/. .    :'• 

NiidABiL  BiVttR  is  studded  with  Is^niiih  firoiol! 
itt  coxiiiheno^ibeaitb  Its  disdiai^  overi||iiBL,l'a{hi| 
They  are  thirty-seven  in  number.    Somepf  them> 
lit((U  tiibl^  tbaii<  TOcki^  biit  most  of  ^em  beautiful 
iirlB^ppiBhira^ej '  '■       ^:•' :p  r /'.'''■•:•  '.■•.:>3.'rM 
^ 'Those '  tw>o^]ibn^  so^  n^  the  ^extremity  of  i 
Grtind  Islatid;  laid  ^aOed  reiipectively  BuokHomt^ 
and  Navt  Island.     Oh  the  latter  the  French^:  in 
thW  w^  of  4lt5^,  builtr  their  ship^  of  iir^i.  a^d 
having  othe)*,  >  business '  connected  with  ^Imr  mvf  > 
i ;  tliere;  ^  Ott  the  coiut  dl  the  other  Islani^^^the  Britii^] 
;  in^lhe  safiae  war,  burned  two  French  vesseKlwhose. 
}  djiit^d/shulls  aire  yet  visible^  xraite-^afrnoi)  iU'm  bm^^ 

t  •  t<  •"  r.»  '3  r 


i 


? 


i 


i 


1 


— — . 


ni00i«pispreo#fip>l9 


rp 


M 


■  IH4.l...l.l..ia..J.  U .L--liJJJ. 


'(  . 


'Off  o'lij  •f9'tn:  ^iiit  .fii  .b7'V   '•-  ■.  .jlt^  mhhiiz  »rf^'   ■ 

than  the  celebrated  hea4*quf^i^  ,9ft; 
Qi9li  1  diitiog^ed   host   ofc/h^ioes, 
lowik  iolameal  **Thft  JH«l»iote''  p«w 

fecBoellencecn •«'••■"     .  s^H^x^^  n.:  rf.  ■■■,.. -irj''^i''f'^ '>'^:ff  v'^^H' 
!'  Thk  choi^  beli^igelJi  to  Bet: 

Most  Gracious  Majesty/QuEEK  Yiotojrmk  AMti^^uv^r; 

Dtonn,  Beytttreigiti  Lad^r  oEth^^  British  Jsles,  1^^ 

Heaifea  oi%,Jbuiii» ;Ww;SK^   d«p€;]|idei)d^.ibe- 

'  sides;'::'    '     :    n^fT;*{:f>«55=^[    y^^.Dv-      .^%YTLMi   TITaK  '■' 

r  i  Nomvit  TTOuUtiieem  ^aii  ivtm^  x«Afleto  «iAjeet9 
of  iJie  ifiAfesMd/  lil^  l^nale  Soireireign  irere  Hot 
aii^odQt^BtiiRtt  heir  pit)YiiidaL  iruk;>  asi  td  loyaltg^ 

j  s0eInsd.fit^:8Gf1lle;y^  IkeiBg  hwsted  n^/aaidrthr^a^ 
ened  mth  confiscation  olliiikipertjr  aad^fib^laiyfettil^ 
had  the  audacity  to  attempt  to  defend  themselves 
against  th^ir  persecutors  and   thus  commenced 

I  what  is  usually  called  '<  the  Canadian  Rebellion  of 
1837." 

Being  crushed  and  put  down  by  the  red  arm  of 
English  power,  the  rebdiion  ceased,  and  the  leaders 


L 


'> 


en 


^l5!^5S55!a9JB 


»»tl»*»W  •     I      W«1lJ^ 


Tff^-pt^Qi^,:f4VJI^, 


m 


.:.  ^.L»iJ„ 


QtnmX  ^tfiffriyid-^-Wmt  .l9<a  MoWi^Mm  ifjimw^  ^ooti 


i 


fled  to  this  Island,  where  they  determined  to  make 
a  stand  and  look  for  American  sympathy.  They 
were  at  first  but  a  mere^  handfiil^not  exceeding 
twenty-five  individually,  uhdertiib'^mmfuid  of  a 

£iKNzuL  who  m^  been^  chjieny  instywuy^  %. 

increased,  uiml  at  lengta  they  counted  mKiittaried 
men,  vJoten  the  dama  aiffiur  of,  the  ,(7aroane. 
b]x>udit  masters  io  a  cri4is,aBd  0flNXRJdLBo^TT  by 
command  of  the  Govemment,  completely  suppra-f 
sed  this  border  waipfore,  and  Navy  Isl^d  %fi»' 
\  eyacuated  by  ''The^Patnots,"  K>raye  and  forever. 


If. 

I 


^tyi: 


r'otnoniA  ;■•  daii^t: 


i    ,«^rQ<5,!3 


t  erit 


>  ■  ;■■■  ir^'tiil  ■,' 


4i 


'nTF',rni' 


Mj  ::;-*.' 


«:^ 


•>'|*:A»'*4  ,'.: 


:ii 


<■  *  ■ 


.•!:     ^^'TOla 


9BB 


i 


DBSORIPTXViB '  tJUlDI' 


Okippimk  DmwMdfi^IUBrMMl  to  QcMtaMoa. 


..,«^»>i.»(i.i. . 


}iJue^<^  j>t 


Or^ek  js  i%^  ^lage  of  the  sa^e  flame, 
r  fa  a  JK^  of  eni$  i^oia^s 
from  two  to  tlirea  ihousand  Siliabr-. 

tants.  The  harbor  is  good,  a&d  the  CreeV,  which 
I  IS  ipiaYU^^    to  ,larg;e  vessels  for  Ijwentj;  miles  up,, 

is' spamiecl  hy,  a  drawbridge  one  hundred  tards 

j  There  lis  a  rail-road  from  Chippewa  to  Queens- 
ton:S^ct  runsiioig  tte  bai£f  the  mer.  an^' 
passing  close  to  the  Falls,  at 'one  point  gives  a  no- 
ble view  of  its  wonders.  As  yet  the  ^ant  of  that 
energy  and  enterprise  so  remarkable  on  the  Ameri- 
can side  has  failed  to  establish  a  locomotive  power. 
So  that  the  carriages  on  these  rails  are  dragged 
along  by  horses. 

The  view  of  the  rapids,  and  scenery  above, 
from  this  point  is  very  fine. 

CHIPPEWA   TO     THE     FALLS. 

It  is  now  in  the  power  of  the  tourist  to  keep 
'along  the  Canada  shore  by  land,  or  to  cross  to 


lij^^gH^JgjWgWJJ**" 


,  R! 


•itor#>«»-«*.  «^- ' 


.^0  1IU9AB4  V4J^ 


W 


Brtltorf  CMywy  li^i  UnfiMflrMl  lUpldt. 


i 


.  SfihloBser.!  and»  ^oii .  th/B  Auericaii  dide.  to  fiBtar  ^thii 

fi|^ofu44  ba  q^^  the  jfoj^er,  Cj^un^  U  jf  .M  of 
h^v^  an^lfpmi^^'    I^t  iis  0Q,#ie%r4-Tli^  fi^ 

fought  is  about  tiro  iwlesifron^  ihii|8»  QU;ti)«TO^ 

kl^  BOW,  fo^ijpoiji.per- 

(j^yfif  ^,;point,a;t  /n^hicb;  the  Itopids-  ppmmei^<|i^, 
ibiire  ft  ttiA>e(jppii^g  pf  /m:/«{ai^  Obfeir^e^f^ , 
t^t  betpe(^0U8, and  Iris  I|Ian4|  fu:e;tiiree;<}|f|i^]^- 
tive  isles  called  the  Sisters,  two  of  which  are  nayi^ed 
Moss  and  Deer,  the  third  being  nameless.     Be- 
tween those  islands  and  the  main  land,  where  we* 
are,  you  behold  the  Great  Rapids!    Down  on  thei 
shore,  where  we  are  now  passing,  at  the  bend  of 
this  inlet  or  bay,  is  a  burning  spring,  and  the  largej 
island  you  see  in  that  litde  bay  is  Cynthea  Isle. 

Our  road  now  runs  by  the  grounds  of  the  Hoh.^ 
Thomas  Culrk,  and  adjacent  is  the  residence  and 
demesne  of  the  late  Samuel  Street,  Esq.,  who  was; 
reputed  to  be  the  richest  individual  in  Canada. 

Crescent  Isle  now  takes  our  attention.  There] 
are  many  small  islands  here  within  view,  which 
though  not  large  enough  to  entitle  them  to  notice; 
separately;  yeti  by  their  agency,  those  obstructions 


^*0 


^'^^ 


•i>feBORIP*fyifif  QVtt'k 


ti^mlkM-mmm^oi•\: 


maddening  fury '  ^Mfelf  f6i^%eir  ipleftdouK  *- '  vi 
J  •  ^Ontiie  left  <tf '  dui:  ik)ad;^ri  a  iiimg  git^^ 

I      Further  on  to  our  left  is  the  Pavilion  'ftd!i^»i. 


{ 


I 


1 


\ 


!  I  Blxfei]^  a  rerjr  efetttkd  ^d  ^(tfiqacucfeft^l^ 

ovr  ■■■■   -iw  .rii.fh{  itbtiti,  ^cii  i>:r;;  J'^'ff'^^j^r  '^^Qiit  JiD^v^' 
...:;.■,   •  -rrija'/D  al  viid'  *?i5lH  i^jtli  ul  m:.  ■  jro/  ^vu;.^ 

oDrtoa  ••.,.  i::ii\y  ■''..:    <■■     -mm  etr;.r.!  Jon  &<\iio\U  \ 


i::'ihu"iji{.ii>;v?: ... 


J 


■■■■H 


F: 


.. 


smta 


y6  iTlJyGUL&A;  V(ict^ 


m 


■n 


CStj  of  Um  FaUi— DmminondTiff^r-LnBdy'*  Lao*— QUton— GUAoa  Hotel. 


^■iiuW■,0;jJ, 


.'  .•« 


CITY   (Xlilt 


FALLS. 


£  nomn  eziter  ibie  prcrposedjiGiTT  ofj 
THE  Falls,  and  a  more  magnificen-t  I 
site  for  a  city  never  was  given  to  man. 
But  such  is  the  want  of  spirit  amongst 

Her  Britamc  Majesty's  subjects  in  this  Province, 

that  as  yet  it  contmues  a  city  on  paper,  an  oriental ; 

dream — a  castle  in  the  air!  1 

This  is  Drummoitdville,  a  neat  thriving  village, : 

which  has  grown  and  progressed  rapidly.  I 

Having  visited  Lundt's  Lane/  another  battle 

ground  of  the  ^ar  of  1812,  we  will  proceed  from ; 

Drummondville  to  Clifton.  • 

Here  is  the  site  of  ar.other  city  of  intentions. —  | 

However,  we  ha^e  the  comfort  of  knowing  that  the ; 

tourist  is  well  provided  for  at  this  magnificent! 

Hotel,  called  the  Clifton  House,  where  the  most 

comprehensive  view  can  be  had.    And  where,  by 

following  the  gently  descending  roadway,  we  reach 

the  ferry  that  connects  the  royal  Province  with  the 

great  Republican  Union. 


vmtn 


■SaUiUiMifa 


HWlfa 


mmm 


mm 


■«■ 


SiS^SI 


♦ 


85 


D^aa^ajpTiv^  gu^b 


Sportiny, 


^■i^^-^W^^^^WP" 


To  those  disposed  for  hunting,  the  Clifton  House' 
offers  the  unusual  aayantage  of  a  pack  of  hounds, 
which,  with  all  other  necessaries,  are  ever  ready  for 


O     L  ■. 


Y  T  I'D 


ru'x    BfORI^S    O^    THE   iftXIiD. 


t>.0£ii  Xi    ;?i»n 


JJA 


r mw  Mis'm 'i¥fm  ^^h^^ 


■J   K      i 


iG  iUi  ,\^- 


Y-'\ 


/        •! 


uiVJii 


;'ornn'rrr:' 


. : JOii 


iri  'ni;   c'd  ^'iU 


VOiiii 


a! 


It  1j: 


Lmot)  HiU  tj  >    * 


H    fioj'ii'') 


.[■ 


itr 


T 


n:.'U. 


■i' 


ix'myi  'nr  .-rfiiiijiiO'i  ?>ou)u 


i  i)n4  ;  ravfoliui 


li 


dt 


a.T  vn.') 


i  .<>fr)  ! 


■mii*!«n«apaBMW 


.)■■      ..      f 


>mmn>^f,l^ 


L    V-  f 


.,  «■ 


'     '        '    V  . 


,tt-iw    y*»i''!?;;f^ 


i^^.*!:' 


«    l^.-*" 


«''  l^.'*-r^'^ 


-Iff 


if- 


.■;  t. 
'ft- 


,^;--'-^ ' 


;-^;',« 

^ 


1..     I    ■• . 


'  i^Hi^ 


s4^'j^^-#*'  m^'r*^mimf>'' 


^ 


'"*tif]\^' 


,  ■;'\''>s 


TO   NIAGARA  FALLS. 


33 


Ni»^'  a'a  connffction  with  the  Lakes. 


NIAGARA. 

I A  G  A  R  A  is  a  nanif!,  wbicli  in  the 

descriptive  language  6f  the  Iroquois^ 
who  most  frequented  these  parts,  sig- 
nifies Thunder  of  Waters  ;  and 
where  £ould  a  word  be  found  to  convey  at  once  to 
the  mind  so  distinctly,  and  so  boldly,  the  truth  of 
conception.  This  river,  or  rather  strait^  connects 
Lake  Erie  and  its  mighty  sister  waters — Supe- 
rior, Michigan,  Huron,  and  St.  Clair,  with 
Ontario  ;  which  latter  in  its  turn,  pours  its  proud 
tribute  thnjugh  the  giant  river  St.  Lawrence,  into 
the  vast  Ailantio  Ocean. 

All  these  and  numerous  smaller  lakes,  which 
first  find  a  biith  in  the  rocky  mountains,  may  well 
be  considered  us  one  grand  river,  which  sweeping 
down  from  a  height  of  several  himdred  feet  ^ad- 
vances onward  u>  the  sea,  as  the  monarch  of  rivers, 
for  more  than  two  thousand  miles,  receiving  in  his 
course  the  plentiful  tiibutaries  of  his  countless 
allies.  Now  spreading  out  his  court  to  almost 
bomidless  extent,  now  contracting  and  consolidating 
3 


THE  AMERICAN"  PALLS  FROM 


h 


FALLS  FROM  THE  CANADA  SHORE. 


84 


DESORIPTrVE   QUIDS 


The  CftUnot, 


his  rushing  power  until,  at  this  sacred  spot,  he 
vaults  down  in  all  his  might  and  majesty  into  the 
fathomless  depth  below,  and  lismg  in  sullen 
grandeur,  goes  forward  to  spread  out  his  dominion 
once  again  in  the  green  bosom  of  Ontario! 

Thus»  we  see  that  the  waters  of  the  world's 
widest  lakes,  together  with  innumerable  tributaries^ 
making  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
square  miles  of  surface,  are  forced  over  this  great 
fall,  forming  a  cataract,  whose  raainess  must  be 
studied  for  a  time  before  the  boimded  imagination 
of  man  can  realize  its  actual  trutL 

Language  can  scarcely  approach  it  nearer  than 
the  poor  Indian's  simple,  yet  expresme,  Thimder 
^  tfo^rf-— it  is  ik  truth  NugabaI 


f 


GENERAL  DETAILS 

OT    THB 

FALLS  OF  NIAGARA, 

AND 
INTBRBSTINa  X0CALITIE8  ADJACENT. 


HIAOAKA  FALLS. 


ST 


Mkt— CatenMt— Pni«  AtaMMpliw*. 


THE   FALLS  OF  NIAGAilA 


R  E  situated  in  latitude  43  deg.  6 
min.  north,  and  longitude  2  deg.  6 
min.  west  from  Washington.  It  is  22 
miles  north  from  Buffalo,  and  14 
miles  south  from  the  point  of  its  jimction  with 
Lake  Ontario. 

There  is  an  idea  prevalent  that  the  neighbour- 
hood of  the  Falls  of  Niagara  must  be  liable  to  dis- 
ease, consequent  on  the  constant  mist,  which  de- 
scends from  the  Cataract  But  such  is  not  the 
case.  The  climate  of  this  magic  neighbourhood  is 
salubrious  in  the  extreme,  as  well  as  highly  invig- 
orating. 
The  atmosphere,  bemg  constantly  acted  on  by 


'5 


38 


DESOIFTIVB   OUIDB 


Reptile*— Wild  Aninwle— Inaeeta  «nd  Fowla. 


the  rushing  of  the  vast  flood  of  water,  is  conse- 
quently kept  pv*'e.  The  most  decided  proof  of  the 
purity  of  Niagara  Falls  is  to  be  found  in  the  elo- 
quent fact  that  when  all  the  world  was  being 
scourged  by  Cholera,  this  mysterious  spot  and  its 
neighbourhood  entirely  escaped! 

In  fact,  no  epidemic  or  pestilential  complaints 
ever  visit  this  spot  The  herbs  and  wild  flowers 
breathe  sweeter  perfume  here  than  elsewhere,  and 
curious  exotics  are  common.  No  reptiles,  wild  ani- 
mals or  troublesome  msects  are  here  to  be  found, 
not  even  musketoes.  Fowl  of  several  descriptions 
here  enjoy  sweet  converse  with  nature ;  and  the 
eagle,  and  seagull  hover  around  the  boundless 
scene,  whilst  the  bee  and  the  butterfly  range 
through  the  fragrant  islands  that  stud  the  preci- 
pice that  has  nought  of  fear  for  them. 

We  will  now  proceed  to  view  the  Falls  from  all 
available  pointa 


/  \ 


r 


•    # 


TO  lOAGARA  FALLS. 


41 


PnwpMt  Poink  Cottage. 


VIEW  FROM  PROSPECT  POINT. 

E  T  us  now  proceed  througli  the  grove 

to  Prospoct  Point,  the  best  view  of 

the    Falls  from  the  American  side. — 

As  we  advance  towards  its  presence, 

the  thunder  of  Niagara  rolls  awfully  on  our  ears; 

and  now  a  turn  in  the  walk  brings  us  in  front 
of  Prospect  Point  Cottage,  where  the  senses  are 

instantly  captivated  by  the  sight 

Here  we  are  presented  with  the  whole,  line  of 
the  Cataract  in  perspective  from  one  shore  to  the 
other,  a  distance  of  fully  three  quarters  of  a  mile. 

Before  leaving  Prospect  Point,  let  us  advance  as 
near  the  brink  as  possible.  There  used  to  be  a 
small  projecting  platform,  ballanced  with  rocks  at 
this  place  to  enable  the  visitor  to  advance  two  yards 
beyond  the  edge,'  and  look  down  in  safety  at  the 
mad  waters  dashing  down  amongst  the  rocks  be- 
low him,  to  a  depth  of  nearly  two  hundred  feet! 
This  convenience,  through  motives  of  prudence, 
has  been  removed,  however. 


I 


42 


DEBCRTPTIVfi   GUIDE 


American  Fall— Bath  Island— Iru  IiUmd— Honeihoe  Fall. 


This,  next  us,  is  the  American  Fall,  with  the 
rapids  and  Islands  above.  Behold,  too  the  seething 
fathomless  cauldron  beneath !  This  Island  hear  us 
is  called  Bath  Island,  to  which  a  bridge  leads,  as 
you  see,  from  the  main  land.  Beyond  it  is  Iris 
Island,  (sometimes  called  Goat  Island)  to  which 
another  bridge  leads,  forming  one  line  of  commu- 
nication between  the  American  shore  and  Iris 
Island,  the  grand  centre  of  the  series  of  cataracts. 
And  in  the  extreme  distance  is  the  Canadian 
(called  from  its  peculiar  form)  Horseshoe  Fall.   , 


] 


44 


DEBORIPTIYX:   GUIDE 


X 


Bath  blaod— Th«  fearfWi  precipiee— Hanging  Bridge. 


VIEW   FROM  THE   BRIDGE  AI^D 

ISLANDS. 

E   will  now  cross  that  bridge  whici 

leads  to  Bath  Islan^     Behold  how 

magnificent  the  wild  turmoil  of  th(^se 

waters  as  they  roll  and  foam,  and  rush 

on  recklessly  beneath  the  bridge  on  which  we  stand, 

to  their  doomed  fall ! 

It  must  be  a  source  of  surprise  to  the  beholder, 

that  a  bridge,  such  as  that  on  which  we  are,  could 

be  erected  amidst  this  **  Hell  of  waters/'  at  little 

more  than  sixty  rods  from  the  fearful  precipice 

itsel£ 

The  plan  adopted  was  simple,  notwithstanding. 

The  first  abutment  framed  of  heavy  timber,  being 

set  up  on  the  bank,  peces  were  run  out,  bearing 

on  it,  and  balanced  on  the  land  side  by  large  rocks 

of  several  tons  weight    These  beams  were  planked 

over,  and  thus  a  hanging  bridge  was  formed  on 

which  the  workmen  ran  out  stone  and  droped  them 
down  into  the  water  until  the  pile  showed  itself;  a 


\ 


.> 


#'  ■ 


TO  mAOARA.  FALLS. 


45 


I' 


The  Bridge. 


\ 


cradle  or  strong  frame-work  was  then  laid  down 
and  filled  up  with  heavy  stone-work  This  pier  was 
soon  connected  permanently  with  the  abutment, 
and  the  same  course  of  proceeding  i  epeated,  until 
the  bridge  was  finally  completed;  and  by  adopting 
the  same  plan  in  making  a  bridge  from  Bath  Island 
to  Lis,  the  connection  with  the  main  land  was 
made  both  safe  and  pleasant  Formerly,  the  visitor 
to  Iris  Island  was  compelled  to  land  from  below 
in  a  boat,  between  the  falls  at  the  base  of  Ir'iS 
Island. 

The  first  bridge  erected  here  was  m  1817,  by 
General  Parehurst  Whitney,  of  the  Cataract 
House.  It  was  somewhat  higher  up  the  rapids. 
This  structxLre  did  not  last  more  than  one  year, 
being  carried  away  by  the  ice.  The  following 
summer  after  its  destruction,  the  present  substan- 
tial bridge  was  built  by  the  Messrs.  Porter. 

The  whole  extent  of  this  bridge  is  forty-four 
rods,  viz :  Twenty-eight  rods  to  Bath  Island,  and 
thence  sixteen  rods  to  Iris  Island.  It  cost  about 
sixteen  hundred  dollars.  This  bridge  was  re- 
paired in  1839,  and  also  in  1849,  and  is  now  in  a 
sound  and  perfect  state. 

Pause  here  and  scan  those  overwhelming  rapids 
as  they  rush  down  their  inclined  course,  and,  rush 


46 


DESCRIPTIVE   OUIDB 


Melancholy  ooourrence. 


ing  vainly  against  the  piers  of  the  bridge  under  us, 
seem  to  tussel  with  each  other  with  ungovernable 
anger,  till,  like  their  countless  predecessors,  they 
too  go  down  the  horrid  leap  together! 

This  bridge  has  been  the  silent  witness  of  many 
a  thrilling  scene,  but  of  not  one  which  caused  more 
dismay  than  the  following,  the  detailed  account  of 
which  we  here  give  from  the  columns  of  The  Buf- 
falo Daily  Republic  and  Courier  newspapers :— ^ 

"MELANCHOLY   OCCURRENCE   AT  NIAGARA   FALLS." 

"A  most  melancholy  occurrence  took  \place  at 
Niagara  Falls,  on  Monday  night  last,  about  twelve 
o'clock.  A  Mrs.  Miller,  who  represented  herselt 
as  the  daughter  of  Senator  Norvell,  of  Michigan, 
and  as  the  wife  of  an  officer  in  the  army  now  in 
Florida,  and  who,  with  her  children,  had  been 
stopping  at  the  Eagle  Hotel,  jumped  from  the 
bridge,  leading  to  Goat  Island,  into  the  river,  and 
was  canied  over  the  cataract  The  particulars  of 
this  heart-rending  affair  toe  thus  given  by  a  cor- 
respondent of  the  Courier^  writing  from  the  Falls 
yesterday : 

"  Our  village  was  this  morning  thrown  mto  deep 
gloom  by  a  report  that  a  young  lady  had  probably 
committed  suicide   here,  during  some  X^ot  last 


„^rjrn.m— fci  "^mimlltmmmmim^tm. 


TO   KIAOARA  FALLS. 


47 


N«wapsp«r  i^tract. 


6 


V 


night»  which  is  undoubtedly  too  true.  The  cir- 
cumstances are  as  follows : 

"  The  train  of  cars  yesterday  morning  .brought 
hither  a  young  woman  of  fine  persona]  appearance, 
and  about  thirty-five  years  of  age,  having  with  her 
two  bright  looking  boys,  four  and  six  years  old. 
After  taking  rooms  at  the  Eagle  Hotel,  she  called 
for  writing  materials,  and  nothing  more  was  known 
of  her  until  this  niorning,  Between  seven  and 
•eight  o'clock,  the  bell  of  the  room  she  had  jccupied 
was  rung  by  the  little  boys.  They  were  inquiring 
for  their  mother, 

"  Upon  the  table  were  found  three  letters — one 
directed  to  Major  Miller,  U.  S.  A.,  and  one  to 
Eion.  John  ^orvell,  Detroit,  Mich.,  and  one  to  the 
proprietor  of  the  Eagle  Hotel,  (a  copy  of  which  I 
send  you) — also  the  ringlets  of  one  side  of  her 
head,  her  gold  watch,  two  trunks  of  clothing,  a  silk 
purse  containing  some  gold  and  silver  coins,  and 
her  wedding  ring. 

*^  The  children  state  that  their  mother  had  bid 
them  good-bye  and  kissed  them,  after  they  had 
gone  to  bed — ^that  they  had  last  come  from  Win- 
chester, Vir^nia,  and  that  their  father  was  in  Flo- 
rida. No  cause  can  be  assigned  for  the  act  She 
appeared  perfectly  rational  throughout  yesterday, 


^ 


T 


I  f 


48 


DBSORIPnVB  GUIDB 


Copy  of  •  Utter  to  Mr.  White. 


and  not  the  least  symptom  of  insanity  was  noticed. 
Nothing  has  yet  been  found  to  throw  the  least  light 
upon  the  matter. 

**  P.  S. — ^Enough  has  been  found  to  warrant  the 
belief  that  the  unfortunate  lady  leaped  from  the 
bridge  that  leads  to  Goat  Island,  and  was  swept 
over  the  Falls.  Upon  the  second  pier  was  found 
her  bonnet,  which  had  been  trodden  upon.  Her 
black  crape  shawl  was  found  tied  to  the  railing  of 
the  bridge,  to  let  her  down  upon  the  pier  which  is 
some  six  feet  below  the  railing.  She  imdoubtedly 
did  this  to  indicate  to  those  who  should  look  for 
her,  that  her  mind  was  made  up  for  the  feanal 
leap  into  the  yawning  chasm  below. 

**  Her  father  has  been  telegraphed,  and  the  chil- 
dren have  been  kindly  taken  charge  of,  by  the 
Hon.  Augustus  S.  Porter. 

"The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  letter  addressed 
by  Mrs.  Miller  to  Mr.  White,  of  the  Eagle 
Hotel: 

"  *To  THE  Proprietor  OF  the  Eagle  Hotel. — 
My  mind  is  made  up.  I  have  no  wish  to  live  any 
longer.  I  shall  go  where  my  body  wiQ  never  be 
recovered.  No  one  shall  gaze  on  my  mangled  re- 
mains. Please  take  care  of  my  two  little  boys  till 
they  can  be  sent  to  Detroit,  where  their  grand  pa- 


m^mmmmmmmm 


^rCf  ■ 


|r  -ij-tiii-  * 


t'-'V"  W'fi'^'l^,-'  "f-i-i 


%' 


v>t 


^-^) 


■i^- 


i&i..    J: 


1Nlft*'*:5N'- 


^■i^^y. 


...-«fiJ-.Ev  (....JJ}-, 


# 


VIEW  OF  THE  GF;i2.AT  FALLS  ] 


r 


\J{h.AT  FALLS  FROM  GOAT  ISLAND. 


"'i'7W'w»'"^>^d 


'*^, 


■V,  ■'  r 


?•*  H 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


49 


Po8taeript  to  Letter— H«nry  Blakemw. 


rents  reside.  They  are  the  sons  of  Major  Miller, 
of  the  Army,  now  in  Florida,  and  grand-sons  of 
Hon.  John  Norvell,  Detroit,  Michigan.  Please 
forward  my  letters,  and  protect  my  children  till 
some  of  then:  relatives  can  come  for  them. 

'MRS.  J.  G.MILLER.' 


"  Postscript. — Since  the  above  was  put  in  type, 
we  have  learned  that  there  is  every  reason  to  be- 
lieve that  Mrs.  Miller  is  still  alive,  having  eloped 
with  a  friend  from  Philadelphia,  and  that  she  placed 
the  Si^s:  I  and  bonnet  on  the  bridge  and  wrote  the 
letters,  which  were  found  in  her  room,  to  convey 
the  impression  that  she  had  gone  over  the  Falls. 
The  circumstances  leading  to  this  belief  are  as 
follows: 

"On  Thursday  last, a  man  who  registered  his 
name  *  Henry  Blakemer,  Philadelphia,'  stopped  at 
the  Exchange  Hotel,  in  this  city.  He  said  that  he 
expected  some  friends  in  a  day  or  two,  and  was 
watching  the  arrival  of  every  train  of  cars.  On 
the  arrival  of  the  Sunday  morning  train,  he  was 
observed  by  the  porter  of  the  house  in  conversa- 
tion, in  the  sitting  room  of  the  depot,  with  a  lady 
with  two  children.  The  lady,  who  was  afterwards 
ascertained  to  ]be  Mrs.  Miller,  took  lodgings  at  the 


•i— — a>a*B 


50 


DESCIPTIVE   OUIDB 


Mr.  Blskemer  hires  a  borM  and  buggy. 


Lorejoy  House,  but  subsequently  went  to  tlie  Ex- 
change, where  she  remained  until  Monday  morn- 
ing, when  she  took  the  nine  o'clock  train  for  xhe 
Falis. 

"  On  the  afternoon  of  Monday,  Mr.  Blakemer  went 
to  the  livery  stable  of  Mr.  Miller  on  Washington- 
street,  and  hired  a  horse  and  buggy  to  go  two 
miles  below  Tonawanda.  He  returned  about  three 
o'clock  on  Tuesday  morning  with  a  lady,  belie /ed 
to  be  Mrs.  Miller,  leaving  her  at  the  railroad  depot, 
when  he  brought  the  horse  back  to  the  liT'ery 
stable.  He  then  called  at  the  Exchange  for  his 
baggage,  and,  accompanied  by  Mrs.  Miller,  took  the 
fast  train  which  leaves  here  at-|^  past  5,  purchasing 
tickets  for  Cayuga  Bridge." 


TO  KIAOARA  FALLS. 


51 


Twin  Islands— Ship  and  Brig^Loven'  Retreat. 


BATH    ISLAND. 

■  .  .  ^^Il  ERE  at  this  picturesque  little  Toll 
^illmllQfiJH  jjQuse,  register  your  name,  and  pay 

twenty-five  cents,  which  sum  will  give 
you  the  freedom  of  the  bridge  and 
islands  for  the  year. 
We  will  now  take  a  look  at 

SHIP    AND    BRia    ISLANDS. 

Those  fantastic  twins  received  their  present 
names  from  a  supposed  resemblance  to  vessels. 
This  little  bridge  which  leads  to  Ship  Island, 
although  slight,  may  be  *relied  upon  as  perfectly 
safe.  Yiew  the  rapids  from  this  point!  How  wild 
the  world  of  waters  seems.  Yet  how  heavenly 
peaceful  are  those  islets,  embosomed  in  fair  foliage 
of  trees  and  vines,  carpeted  with  nature's  matchless 
moss,  and  redolent  of  nowers  that  never  felt  the 
withering  influence  of  man!  Ship  Island  is  also 
called  the  "  Lovers*  Retreat." 

A  truly  tasteful  lover  of  Nature  must  he  be 
who  would  here  take  up  his  abode  away  from  the 


rude  realities  of  a  heartless  world,  which,  like  the 
waters  that  rdl  around  him,  is  ever  progressing 
regardless  of  agonies  which  rise  on  its  course 
Aye,  this  is  the  spot  for  the  votary  of 


'^t^=^^. 


CUPID 


TO  NIAQARA  FALLS. 


53 


Goat  Itland^IrisJilHid. 


IRIS   ISLAND. 


S  there  an  Me  in  this  world,  which 
has  so  great  a  charm  as  this  little  spot 
of  earth,  scarcely  half  a  mile  long, 
jand  but  eighty  rods  wide,  containing 
in  all  not  more  than  sixty-two  acres  of  arable  land. 
Yet  it  has  been  visited  by  bygone  generations  from 
all  quarters  of  the  globe,  and  countless  generations 
yet  will  tre^d  its  walks  of  wonder. 

We  before  stated  that  it  was  also  called  Goai 
Island.  This  appells^tion  took  its  rise  from  the  fact 
of  a  Mr.  Steadman,  then  a  resident  at  Schlosser  in 
1770,  placing  a  variety  of  animals  on  it:  amongst 
others  a  number  of  goats.  Of  these,  a  bearded 
patriarch  was  the  only  one  who  survived  the  se- 
verity of  winter,  and  he  remained  in  sole  posses- 
sion for  a  long  time. 

The  beautiful  name  of  Iris  Island,  it  derives  from 
the  rainbows,  which  perpetually  bend  round  its 
shrine  at  the  Falls,  which  indicate  this  to  be  the 
favorite  home  of  the  goddess  Iris.    Here  are  seats 


^■■■^" 


1 


u 


PESORIPTIVE   GUIDB 


View  from  Hogik  Back. 


where  we  may  sit  and  rest  before  proceeding 
further. 

Let  us  now  turn  to  the  right  and  take  a  look  at 
the 


hog's  back. 

This  narrow  ridge  is  so  called  from  its  peculiar 
shape.  From  it  you  have  a  magnificent  view  of 
the  Central  Fall,  the  American  Fall,  the  river  be- 
low, and  the  long  Une  of  foliaged  perpendicular 
banks  which  wall  the  fallen  waters  as  they  speed 
away. 


! 


TO  NIAGARA  FALLS. 


55 


Creioent  Fall— Prosp«ct  bland. 


THE  CENTRAL  OR  CRESCENT  FALL. 


1 

i 

1 

r 

1      1 

■!'.v' 

uliar 

1 

wof 

m 

be- 

m 

jular 

m 

peed 

J 

1 

We  will  now  contemplate  the  beauties  of  this 
Fall;  which,  though  narrow,  is,  from  its  amazing 
depth,  alone  sufficient  to  inspu-e  reverence. 

It  is  formed  by  that  portion  of  the  Niagara  river 
cut  off  by  Prospect  Island  from  the  American 
volume  of  water,  and  is  but  twenty  yards  wide. 
How  clear — how  sparkling — how  fairy-like  it  looks. 
No  break,  no— no  difference — all  in  unity— one 
beautiful  vestal's  sheet  of  stainlesss  hue  spread  for 
eternity! 

Underneath  the  rock  on  which  we  stand,  and 
behind  this  cascade,  is  the  Cave  of  the  Winds, 
which  we  will  visit  presently.  But  first  let  us  cross 
this  bridge  and  take  a  still  better  view  than  we 
have  yet  had  of  the  American  Fall  from 

prospect  island. 

By  some  this  is  called  Luna  Island.  It  is  in 
truth  a  very  lovely  spot,  the  view  from  which  is 
magnificent   Here  in  this  richly  embowered  Island, 


PFPH 


56 


DE80RIPTIVB    GUIDE 


View  of  the  American  FhII— The  three  Profilei. 


11  5 


If 


the  bird  of  liberty,  the  eagle,  used  to  enjoy  his  fxill 
bom  freedom  in  repose,  in  times  when  the  enslaver, 
Man,  had  not  yet  profaned  its  sanctity  with  his 
presence.  See  now — the  view  is  matchless — Here, 
come  the  rude  rapids,  rolling  and  struggling  down, 
chafing  those  many  little  sunny  islands  as  they  rush 
along,  as  if  jealous  of  their  beauty.  There,  the 
broad  sheet  of  the  American  Fall  tumbles  down 
the  dizzy  descent  in  terrible  majesty.  It  is  a  sight 
to  study-s-a  memory  never  to  be  erased.  We  will 
now  return  to  Iris  Island,  and  examine  the  very 
singular  appearance  presented  from  the  Hog's 
Back,  being  what  are  called 

v' 

THE     THREE    PROFILES. 

You  roust,  however,  draw  powerfully  on  Imagina- 
tiun,  for  the  action  of  the  waters  has  nearly  effaced 
them  altogether.  The  first  or  highest  represented 
the  profile  of  a  negro ;  the  second,  of  a  well  featured 
young  man  ;  and  the  third,  of  an  aged  man  with 
spectacles. 


TO  NIAGARA   FALLS. 


57 


Tli«  thra*  ProfilM. 


'S 


TBI    THREE    PROFILES. 


68 


DESCRIPTIYB   GUIDB 


HoTM-tho*  FaU—Pnwpeot  Tower. 


■I' 

1  M 


VIEW  OF  THE  HORSE-SHOE  FALL. 

Ws  now  face  towards  Canada,  and  by  pursuing 
this  walk  soon  come  in  sight  of  the  Terrapin  Rocks, 
Bridge,  Tower,  and  the  beautiful  curve  called  the 
Horseshoe  Fall. 

How  magical  is  the  scene  before  us !  Let  us 
contemplate  it 

As  you  perceive,  the  name  of  this  Fall  is  rather 
inappropriate  now,  as  the  constant  giving  way  of 
parts  60  changed  its  form,  that  it  rather  resembles 
the  figure  5. 

PROSPECT    TOWER. 

This  stone  building  is  forty-five  feet  high,  and  was 
erected  in  the  year  1833,  by  Judge  Porter.  There 
is  a  flight  of  winding  stairs  inside  by  which  you 
ascend  and  obtain  one  of  the  most  unutterably 
magnificent  views  that  the  mind  can  take  in. 

You  look  down  into  the  very  caldron  itself,  and 
see  the  peerless  green  waters  how  they  have  been 
lost  in  foam  and  mist    Look  up  the  rapids,  and 


i 


TO  KIAGARA  FALLS. 


59 


RcnuiiM  of  a  Bridf*— Frttda  Abbott,  tho  Htnnit. 


see  those  beautiful  billows  rushing  madly  on  in 
their  wild  career  as  if  desirous  of  their  destined 
leap.  Look  at  either  side  and  behold  the  smiling 
green  shores  and  hear  the  thoughtless  birds  how 
they  carrol  on>  imconscious  of  the  dread  abyss 
and  unscared  by  its  endless  thtmder. 

Those  timbers  which  you  see  scattered  about^ 
are  the  poor  remains  of  a  once  highly  useful  bridge 
which  Gen.  Whitney  built  here. 

You  see  that  timber  which  projects  over  the 
gulph.  On  it  Francis  Abbott,  the  hermit  of  the 
Falls,  was  in  the  habit  of  taking  a  daily  walk, 
retching  the  very  end,  and  turning  on  his  heel  to 
come  back  A  feat  which  few  would  have  nerve 
eoough  to  perform. 


I     I 


60 


DBSCIPnVE   GUIDE 


The  Biddle  Stair-oaae, 


THE   BIDDLE    STAIR-CASE. 

0  W  let  us  return  by  the  walk  we 
came  from  Prospect  Island,  and  visit 
The  Biddle  Staircase,  which  we 
passed  in  coming  here. 
This  staircase  takes  its  name  from  Kioholas 
Biddle,  Esq.,  at  whose  expense  it  was  erected  in 
1829,  and  to  whom  the  tourist  is  deeply  indebted, 
as  it  enabled  htm  to  reach  this  part  of  the  island, 
to  pass  over  the  rocks,  and  approach  the  falUng 
sheet  of  wat^r.  Before  its  construction,  the  tourist 
had  to  come  in  a  boat  from  the  ferry. 

A  steep  of  some  forty  feet,  notched  into  rude 
steps,  leads  to  the  head  of  the  staircase,  which  is 
about  eighty  feet,  having  ninety  steps.  From  this 
staircase  down  to  the  river  is  eighty  feet  more  of 
descent ;  making  the  total  descent  from  the  top 
of  the  bank  above,  one  hundred  and  eighty-five 
feet  At  this  'point  of  the  river  below,  the  angler 
may  enjoy  his  vocation  in  an  unequalled  degree. 
Shortly  after  this  staircase  was  finished,  in  the  fall 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


61 


6am  Patah,  the  jumper— Foot  of  the  Cataract. 


of  1829,  the  eccentric  Sam  Patch,  the  most  daring 
jumper  in  the  world,  made  two  successful  leaps 
here  from  a  platform  ninety -seven  feet  high  !  Poor 
Sam,  not  content  with  his  gloiy,  made  another,  and 
a  greater  leap  at  the  Genesee  Falls  ;  but  still  his 
ambition  -was  ungratified  ;  he  jumped  once  more 
from  the  same  place  from  a  height  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty-five  feet !  This  was  his  last  leap  :  for 
Sam  Patch  never  rose  again,  and  never  since  has 
been  heard  of. 

Having  descended  the  Biddle  Staira,  we  advance 
along  at  the  foot  of  the  cliflF,  with  the  fearfully  im- 
pending rocks  above  us,  seeming  as  if  ready  just 
now  to  fall  and  crush  us.  Yet,  with  all  this  fear, 
there  is  something  so  imposing  in  our  situation  as 
to  render  it  pleasing,  although  you  see  innumerable 
evidences  around  you  of  the  constant  falling  down 
of  fragments  from  above.  But  it  is  a  sort  of  assu- 
rance to  one  that,  amongst  the  couniless  tourists 
who  have  trod  this  path  till  now,  not  a  single  acci- 
dent has  yet  occurred. 

Let  us  now  approach  the  foot  of  the  Cataract, 
and  view  the  awful  splendor  of  tliis  scene.  Look 
at  that  hue  of  green  m  the  horseshoe  fall — what  can 
equal  that  ?  See  the  rich  silvery  waters,  how  they 
chase  each  other  down  that  terrible  descent   Here, 


62 


DSSORIPTiyX   QUIDS 


Tbt  A—t  of  roUlng  glsM— Th«  Ridabow. 


resembling  frosted  pillars  of  snow;  there,  one  solid 
sheet  of  rolling  glass  !  Behold  that  lovely  ram- 
bow — Gt  accompaniment  of  such  a  picture. 

Gaze  on.    We  are  m  the  presence  of  the  en- 
chanter. 


P 


TO  NIAOABA  VALLS. 


68 


Th«  Lowtr  Fiahing  Roek— VUw  of  th«  fraat  AiMiiMB  FalL 


THE  CAVE  OF  THE   WINDS. 


J 


N  leaving  the  Biddle  Stairs,  our  best 
course  is  to  proceed  to  the  Central 
Fall.  Let  us  descend  this  sloping 
bank  to  that  limestone  rock  at  the 
lowest  point  of  the  shore  of  Iris  Island,  called  the 
Lower  Fishing  Rock. 

From  this  point  see  what  a  noble  view  we  have 
of  the  great  American  Fall.  See  the  bold  cataract, 
how  it  falls  in  brilliant  folds  down  the  mighty 
precipice  !  What  a  scene  for  an  atheist  to  lode 
upon,  and  then  deny  the  existence  of  an  all  power- 
ful Creator  !  How  vast,  how  grand,  how  bewilder- 
ing to  the  mind  !  Dwell  on  it,  stranger — ^try  to 
bring  its  magnitude  within  the  limits  of  your  com- 
prehension and  acknowledge  yourself  an  atom,  a 
mere  atom  in  nature,  for  that  you  are,  and  no 
more.  Then,  what  is  life  but  a  short  confused 
game  of  mortality ! 
As  we  re-ascend  ihe  sloping  bank  to  the  Central 


64 


DESCRIPTIVE   GUIDE 


The  Central  Fall— The  Ca^e  of  the  Winds. 


Fall,  we  have  before  us  that  great  curiosity,  known 

THE   CAVE   OF  THE    WINDS. 

Come,  let  us  enter.  But,  first,  cast  your  eyes 
upwards,  and  behold  the  impending  cliff  which 
overhangs  us  like  a  dark  destiny,  and  see  that  mag- 
nificent sheet  of  snowy  purity,  how  it  leaps  exultant 
from  the  topmost  rock,  and  flashes  down  into'  mid 
air,  8\d  plunges  below  with  the  hoarse  voice  of 
thu     ,r  ! 

Let  us  descend  these  rude  steps,  and  enter  the 
cavern.  Listen — here  might  the  ancients  have  lo- 
cated Boreas,  for,  surely,  aU  the  chamed  storms 
are  fretting  out  their  madness  here  ! 

Now  wo  are  at  the  bottom.  Let  us  retire  to  tbe 
back  of  the  cavern,  and  gaze  in  silence  on  the 
wondrous  scene.  This  awful  temple  of  Nature 
was  first  entered  in  1834,  by  Messrs.  White  ai>d 
Sims,  resiJent&  of  the  village  above  us.  They 
came  in  a  boat  from  the  foot  r.f  Prospect  Island, 
and  entered  the  Cave  with  a  gres-t  deal  of  diflScully. 
Some,  for  the  romance  of  the  thing,  enter  by  the 
same  way  now,  although  there  is  no  necessity  for 
so  doing. 

The  dimensions  of  the  Cave  are  one  hundred 


J 


TO  NIAGARA  FALLS. 


65 


C~  «  of  the  Winda—A  fit  PuUce  for  Old  Neptune. 


feet  11  ide»  thirty  feet  deep,  and  one  hundred  and 
thirty-eight  feet  high.  The  bottom  is  about  thirty- 
five  feet  from  the  water's  edge,  and  is  composed 
c"  those  fragments  which  time  and  the  wearing 
cataract  have  broken  and  let  fall  upon  tli»3  spot 

It  is  curious  to  observe  the  spray  how  it  curls 
along  the  sloping  bottom  of  the  cavern,  then  roll- 
ing up  along  the  ro.jky  back,  seeks  the  shelving 
ceiling  where  it  breaks  into  distinct  portions,  and  by 
its  constant  action  on  the  air  gives  those  reverbera- 
tions which  have  given  rise  to  its  title  of  "  the  Cave 
of  the  Winds.'*    A  fit  palace  tor 


OLD    NBPTITHE    HIMSELF. 


66 


■^ 


DESCRIFTIYE   OUIDB 


P«nag*  under  th*  American  Fall— Road  ronnd  Iris  Island. 


! 


THE    AMERICAN    SHEET. 

ERE,  between  the  Central  and 
American  Falls,  there  is  a  vacant 
space,  immediately  at  the  foot  of  Pros- 
pect Island  ;  it  is  roofed  by  the  tum- 
bling cascade.  Let  us  enter  and  rest  awhile.  Oh, 
what  a  view  have  we  here  ! 

Come  now,  we  will  ramble  to  the  American  Fall, 
and  pass  under  it  ai  far  as  you  dare.  There  is  no 
doubt  of  there  being  a  passage  clear  through,  but 
who  is  he  who  would  dare  to  pass  it  ?  How  over- 
whelming is  the  majesty  of  this  place — how  awe- 
inspiring,  yet  sublimely  beautiful ! 

We  will  now  ascend  the  Biddle  Staircase,  and 
resume  our  dress.  Here  we  will  rest,  before  wo 
take 

THE    TOUR    OV    IRIS     ISLAND. 

The  road  runs  entirely  round  the  Island,  and 
presents  many  attractions.  Here  you  perceive  the 
road  has  been  carried  away  by  the  constant  en- 
croachments of  the  ceaseless  flood. 


TO  KIAOARA  TXU/B, 


eTl 


The  Mad  Rspid*— Remains  of  the  flag-ahip  Detroit. 


See  those  trees  that  rve  now  trailing  m  the  wa- 
ter. They  were  once  he  .  Ishing  on  the  firm  bank. 
Look  from  this  point  at  the  mad  rapids,  as  they 
career  along  to  their  awful  bomidary. 

Those  timbers  which  you  observe  amongst  the 
rocks  are  the  remains  of  the  Detroit,  the  flag-ship 
of  Captain  Barclay,  which  was  captured  together 
with  several  other  vessels,  in  the  memorable  battle 
of  Lake  Erie,  when  Commodore  Perry  gained  a 
de«sive  victory  over  the  British,  September  the 
10th,  1813. 

The  Detroit  was  brought  here  from  Buffalo  in 
the  autumn  of  1841,  with  the  intention  of  sending 
,  her  over  the  Falls.  Great  numbers  of  spectators 
assembled,  but  were  doomed  to  be  disappointed, 
for  the  Detroit,  striking  against  one  of  those  ledges 
of  rocks  in  the  rapids,  was  at  once  dismasted,  and 
became  a  wreck  ;  part  of  her  went  over  the  Falls  in 
the  night  time,  and  parts  have  been  going  over  at 
intervals  since,  until  now  the  few  sticks  which  re- 
main, are  all  that  may  be  seen  of  the  once  gallant 
ship-of-war. 


06 


DKSCBIFTIVS  OUIDB 


If     r 


MoH  laUnd— Th*  miaiatura  Cattnmb 


MOSS  ISLAND. 

HIS  lovely  Island  is  so  called  from 
its  being  covered  with  a  lovely  velvet- 
like moss.  It  presents  one  of  the 
sweetest  spots  that  eye  can  rest  upon. 
Here  that  eccentric  character  called  "  The  Hermit 
of  the  Falls,''  proposed  to  build  a  cottage  in  the 
rustic  style,  with  a  draw-bridge  to  the  island,  by 
which  he  might  be  alone  when  he  pleased.  It  is* 
a  pity  that  permission  was  not  given  for  the  erection 
of  this  hermitage,  as  it  would  have  added  very 
much  to  the  romance  of  the  Falls. 

The  islands  outside  Moss  Island  are  called  the 
Sisters.  It  would  be  a'  vast  addition  to  the  mterest 
of  this  locality,  if  these  beautiful  islandu  were  united 
by  bridges. 

Between  Moss  and  Lis  Islands,  there  is  a  minia- 
ture cataract,  which  is  mexpressibly  beautiful  This 
the  Hermit  of  the  Falls  was  in  the  habit  of  using 
as  a  showeic-bath,  and  certainly  a  more  delightful 


TO  NIAGARA  FALLS. 


69 


'9 


Head  of  lib  bland— The  Hennit  of  the  F«Ua. 

one  could  not  have  been  enjoyed  by  any  prince  or 
potentate. 

We  are  now  at  the  head  of  Iris  Island.  Here, 
before  the  formation  of  the  bridge,  the  stranger 
was  compelled  to  gratify  his  curiosity  at  the  peril 
of  his  life,  by  navigating  to  this  point  between  the 
rapids  on  either  side — a  daring  venture. 

See,  here  is  the  far-famed 


/     » 


HOUSE     OF     THB     HERMIT. 

Here  is  the  spot  where  resided  the  eccentric  and 
unfortunate  Francis  Abbott,  commonly  known  as 
the  Herm  '^  OF  THE  Falls. 

He  was  a  young  Englishman,  who,  coming  to 
viidt  ihe  F^ls  in  1829,  became  so  overpowered  that 
he  ':ould  not  withdraw  himself  from  the  romantic 
spot,  but  remained  week  after  week,  and  month 
after  month,  until  at  last  his  love  uf  the  wild  scene 
became  a  mono  mania,  and  he  shunned  all  society, 
save  that  of  nature.      He  was  learned,  highly  ac- 


i 


70 


DESCRIPTIVE   OUIDB 


Th«  Honnit'i  Uat  retting  place. 


complished,  gifted  with  a  most  attractive  person, 
and  a  finished  elegance  of  manner,  which  at  once, 
bespoke  him  of  high  origin.     But,  as  to  Ids  real 
name  or  history,  all  is  secret 

In  June,  1831,  he  was  bathing  in  the  river  be- 
low the  Falls,  when,  it  is  ISupposed,  he  got  into  the 
current  and  was  drowned.  His  body  was  picked 
up  some  ten  days  after  at  Fort  Niagara*  and  buried 
at  his  loved  Niagara  Falls.  He  was  about  twenty- 
eight  years  of  age  when  he  perished.  But  ^.urs 
and  centuries  will  pass  away  before  the  memory 
can  be  obliterated  of 

THE    HERMIT    OF    TUB    FALLS. 


/rt 


TO  NIAGARA   FALLS. 


a, 


m^ 


The  Grave*— Dridga  at  Bath  Uand. 


e 
d 
d 

r- 
"S 

7 


/    t 


THE    GRAVES. 

EAR  this  spot  on  an  elerated  sand- 
bank some  mounds  existed,  which,  on 
examination,  proved  to  be  graves.  Hu- 
man remains  were  discovered  in  them ; 
each  mound  containing  a  body  in  a  sitting  position. 
None  of  the  Indian  tribes  now  in  existence  can 
account  for  these  remains,  although  it  is  highly 
probable  that  they  were  of  some  of  the  aboriginal 
tribes,  who  here  worshiped  the  Great  Spirit  within 
the  sound  of  his  almighty  voice,  sent  up  from  the 
fathomless  depths  of  the  waters  1 

We  have  now  gained  the  bridge  which  leads  to 
Bath  Island. 


12 


DESORIPTIVE   GUIDB 


Point  Viaw— The  f«ny.tt«iiB. 


h 


THE    CANADA   SIDE. 

AVING  now  seen  all  thai  is  worthy 
of  notice  on  the  American,  let  us  cross) 
to  the  British  shore. 
Here  is  Point  View,  from  whence 
we  took  our  first  observation  of  the  Fails ;  and 
here  close  at  hand  is  the  ferry-stairs.  Let  us  step 
into  the  cars,  which  an  overshot  water-wheel  when 
loosened,  will  cause  to  descend,  and  at  the  same 
time  bnng  up  the  return  cars  on  the  next  track  to 
ours.  This  water-wheel  is  turned  by  a  branch  of 
the  cataract  itself.  In  the  spring  of  1850,  the 
rocks  here  gave  way  and  impeded  the  course  of 
this  railway  for  a  time. 

Some  persons  walk  up  these  stairs  for  exercise 
or  amusement ;  but,  as  there  are  some  700  steps, 
the  operation  is  very  fatiguing.  There  is  no  addi- 
tional charge  made  for  descending  in  the  cars  to 
those  who  intend  to  cross  the  ferry  ;  all  is  paid 
for  at  the  head  of  the  stairs. 

At  ihe  bottom  of  this  railway  is  a  platform,  and 


h'-* 


TO  KUOARA  FALLS. 


IS 


The  ferry-boat— The  brawny  boatman. 


an  easy  flight  of  stairs,  to  the  right  of  which  brings 
you  at  once  into  the  presence  of  the  Kails. 

This  view  is  very  grand.  But,  muffle  youiiself 
up,  and  enter  the  ferry-boat,  that  we  may  cross  to 
the  Canada  side.  There  is  no  view  more  compre- 
hensive or  grander  than  the 


I 


VIEW    FROM    THE     FERR? 

Over  to  the  other  side,  is  but  a  distance  of  a 
little  over  four  hundred  yards,  in  a  straight  line. 
But,  to  humor  the  current,  this  brawny  boatman 
of  ours  pulls  up  towards  the  Falls,  and  is  by  it 
borne  back  towards  his  landing,  which  he  has  to 
pull  hard  for,  lest  he  be  carried  past  There  has 
been  no  accident  to  record  at  this  apparently  dan- 
gerous passage,  within  the  memory  of  any  one 
living. 


74 


DESORIPTIVB    OUIDS 


Crossing  the  river— View  Arom  the  Canada  side. 


I^ow  view  the  whole  panorama  of  the  Falls. 
Can  any  thing  equal  that?  Look  above,  around, 
and  beneath  you.  How  awful  is  the  might  of  that 
Supreme  Being  whose  work  this  is. 

The  boat  begins  to  toss,  but  don't  be  alarmed,  it 
is  the  agitation  of  the  current^  and  the  skill  of  our 
experienced  boatman  will  soon  bear  us  into  still 
water. 

Gaze  on  that  amphitheatre  of  Cataracts,  and 
listen  to  their  roar.  Extensive  as  they  seem,  we 
have  but  a  perspective  view  of  them— the  beau- 
tiful Horse-shoe  being  a  considerable  distance 
from  us. 

Now  we  are  nearing  Uie  Province  of  Queen 
Victoria,  where  a  circuitous  road  leads  to  the  lofty 
height  above. 

As  we  ascend,  let  us  pause  at  intervals,  and  look 
back  upon  the  rushing  Niagara,  which  we  have 
just  crossed,  and  as  we  ascend  still  higher,  and  the 
road  winds,  we  behold  the  glorious  Falls  in  all  their  ; 
sublimity. 

But  let  us  advance  up  this  easy-ascending  road, 
for  the  formation  of  which  we  have  to  thank 
Messrs.  Street  and  Clarke,  to  whom,  us  a  com- 
pensation, the  Canadian  Government  granted  the 


>  ^ 


TO  NIAGARA  FALLS. 


75 


View  from  Tabl*  Rook. 


sole  right  to  the  ferry  for  twenty-one  years,  from 
the  completion  of  the  road  m  1827. 

Now,  that  we  have  reached  the  upper  world 
againi  let  us  proceed  towards  the  Falls  and  gaze  on 
the  view  from  Table  Rock. 


\ 


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iW 


\^ 


iS: 


^ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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1.0 


1.1 


1.25 


itt  Ui   H2.2 

U   11.6 


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y 


Fk)tQgraphic 

Sciences 

Corporalion 


^ 


:^^ 


o 


23  wis:  .V  AiN  STRUT 

WIBSTIR.N.Y.  14SM 

(71*)  •72-4503 


t 


? 


■MmhAi 


■# 


TO  KIAGARA.  FiXIS. 


11 


t 


TM*  Rock,  l«n  in  extent  than  foimerly. 


VIEW  FROM  TABLE  HOCK. 


lAGARAFALLS  here  stretches 
out  before  us  in  matchless  might  and 
grandeur. 
This  Bock,  which  derives  its  name 
from  its  flat  surface,  stretching  over  the  chasm 
like  the  raised  l^af  of  a  table,  is  on  the  same  level 
with  the  Falls,  and  belongs  to  the  great  ledge  over 
which  the  Horseshoe  fallo. 

Cautiously  approach  the  edge,  and  look  down. 
Is  it  not  thrilling  !  Look  not  long,  lest  your  head 
grow  dizzy. 

Table  Bock  was  of  much  greater  extent  than  it 
is  at  present  Very  large  portions  have  from  time 
to  time  fallen  away.  In  the  year  1818,  a  piece 
nearly  one  hundred  and  sixty  feet  long,  and  forty 
feet  wide,  broke  away  at  midnight,  arousing  and 
terrifying  the  inhabitants  for  miles  round,  with  the 
mighty  crash,  which  they  conceived  to  be  an  earth- 
quake. In  1828,  and  the  following  year,  other 
portions  came  away,  and  from  existing  appearances. 


mmmm 


78 


DESORIPTIVE   6UIDB 


3t»ireaM  vaadtr  tbe  rock— Table  Rock  from  below. 


it  is  evident  tliat  another  crash  may  soon  be  ex- 
pected. Let  ud  now  return  to  the  staircase  that 
leads  under  the  rock. 

Here  we  will  procure  the  apparel  necessary  to 
protect  us  from  the  effects  of  a  wetting,  which  we 
may  surely  expect 

ThesQ  spiral  stairs  were  erected  by  a  Mr.  For- 
syth, several  years  ago,  and  afford  a  great  facility 
for  viewing  one  of  the  most  astounding  sights  that 
can  be  presented  to  the  mind  of  man,  namely: 


TABLE  BOOK  FBOM  BELOW 

Here  is  a  temple  of  the  living  God!  Here  is 
the  sanctuary  of  His  awful  greatness.  Here  the 
incense  of  air  and  water,  rising  In  endless  mist  to 
heaven,  amid  the  humid  thunder  which  roars  and 
roars  eternally. 

Where  may  the  ambitious,  the  proud,  and  the 
arrogant  so  perfectly  judge  of  their  own  excessive 
littleness,  as  in  the  giant  presence  of  this  sacred 
shrine  ? 

Come,  let  us  press  on  our  way  behind  the  sheet 
The  spray  beats  hard  in  our  faces,,  and  with  thick 
mist  almost  prevents  our  progress.  But,  remember 
thousands  have  pursued  this  course  before  us,  and 
why  not  we  ? 


r    ^ 

i 


TO   NUOARA  FALLS. 


19  ! 


1 


The  Ledge— The  Rock— The  Crnvma. 


Here  we  halt  The  clouds  of  drivhig  mists  are 
thinner.  Let  uS  look  around.  The  spot  on  which 
you  stand,  is  but  a  ledge  some  three  feet  wide. 
The  Rock  is  ninety  feet  above  our  heads,  and  be- 
neath our  feet,  it  is  seventy  feet  down  to  the  boiling 
cauldron  where  the  tumbling  waters  fall 

See  that  vast  cavern,  which,  like  some  mysterious 
recess  of  Nature,  stretches  out  in  seeming  safety 
before  us.  We  dare  not  venture  more  tlian  a  few 
feet  towards  it,  and  that  at  the  extreme  peril  of  our 
lives. 

You  have  now  seen  Termination  Rock.  Ijct  us 
return  and  change  our  wet  clothes—register  your 
name,  take  a  certificate  of  your  visit  to  this  won- 
derful spot,  rest,  view  the  curiosities  of  the 
Museum,  and  return  to  the  ferry. 

Again  we  view  from  the  tossed  boat,  the  awing 
grandeur  of  the  scene,  and,  with  the  details  fresh 
upon  our  mind,  what  can  be  more  thrilUng  than  the 
great  frontispiece  before  us  ? 

Now  we  are  landed  once  again  on  the  soli  of  the 
CJnited  States.  We  ascend  the  railway,  and  are 
9nce  more  in  the  village  of  Niagara  Falls. 


I 


I 


80 


DESORIPTIVB   GUIDE 


Thft  Pnblie  G«rd«ii— TL«  Road-wa}  to  tli«  River. 


V 


SCENES  IN  THE  VICINITY 
OF  THE  FALLS. 

0  U  have  been  round,  and  we  may 
say,  through  the  Falls,  as  far  as  prac- 
ticable.   Let  us  now  view  the  wonders 
and  beauties  of  its  vicinity. 
As  we  advance  a  few  rods,  we  arrive  at 

THE     PUBLiq     GARDEN. 

Here  is  a  beautiful  summer-house  on  the  brow 
of  the  precipice,  from  whence  we  view  the  Falls 
and  the  river  in  a  magnificent  light  This  sum- 
mer-house occupies  the  site  of  the  hut  erected  by 
Francis  Abbott,  the  Hermit  of  the  Falls,  whose 
history  we  have  before  adverted  to,  and  who  re- 
sided in  it  for  many  years. 

We  now  proceed  some  eighty  rods  further,  and 
come  to 

THE   ROAD-WAT  TO   THE   RIVER. 

This  carriage-way  was  projected  some  86  years 
ago ;  bul^  for  some  reason  or  other  was  discon- 


mn 


.ii 


^ 


„S.V  ^  .^ 


T-.rk-»-£ ^ 


>   ,• 


*^ 


m^v^T' 


w. 


If. 


«{ 


K 


T0>  ITUOABA  FALLS. 


81 


The  Indian  ladder—Point  View. 


tinned.  In  1836,  Mr.  Ratiibdn  recommenced  it ; 
but,  the  imprisonment  of  that  active  man  for  for- 
gery put  a  second  stop  to  it 

Let  us  go  down  and  take  a  trip  up  to  the  foot 
of  the  Falls  on  this  little  steamer,  appropriately 
named  the  Maid  of  the  Mist,  It  is  an  excursion 
which  amply  repays  the  visitor,  and  is  perfectly 
safe. 

Here  is  the 

INDIAN    LADDER, 

This,  which  you  perceive  to  be  no  more  than  a 
laige  cedar  tree,  resting  against  the  rock,  with  the 
limbs  and  a  few  notches  answering  for  rounds,  was 
once  the  only  means  of  descending  to  the  bottom 
of  the  bank — a  dangerous  operation,  truly,  and  one 
which  is  never  ventured  on.  The  last  daring  indi- 
vidual, who  trusted  to  it,  being  a  daring  hunter, 
named  Brooks,  who,  several  years  ago,  went  down 
in  pursuit  of  game,  and  fell  before  he  reached  the 
bottom,  receiving  some  severe  contusions. 

Here  is 

POINT    TIBW. 

From  this,  we  catch  a  beautiful  distinct  view  of 
6 


KIAGARA  RIVER  AND  AMERICAN 


'V  l\ 


[D  AMERICAN  FALLS  NEAR  HOG»S  BACK. 


82 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE. 


Ni.igara  Chy. 


the  chasm,  river,  and  Falls,  and  here  has  grown  up 
like  magic,  a  considerable  town»  called 

N  I  AOARA    CITY, 

♦  

One  mile  and  a  half  below  the  Falls,  is  already 
well  provided  with  places  of  entertainment,  and 
has  a  giist  mill,  the  shaft  of  the  wheel  of  which  is 
200  feet  long.  The  mill  being  on  the  top  of  the 
bank,  whilst  the  wheel  which  works  it  is  turned  by 
the  rapid  Niagara  river,  200  feet  beneath. 

This  place  promises  to  exceed  in  importance  the 
village  of  Niagara  Falls.  It  now  possesses  a  fine 
hotel,  "The  New  York  Central  Rail  Road  House," 
besides  several  other  smaller  public  houses. 

On  the  other  side  of  the  river  is  the  town  of 
El^n,  the  terminus  of  the  Great  Western  Railway. 


The  celebrated  Mineral  Spring,  a  few  rods  be- 
low the  bridge,  on  the  Amsricun  side  of  the  river, 
wells  up  between  the  ro.:ks,  and  finds  a  resting- 
place  in  a  stone  basin.     It  is  strongly  sulphur- 


■-if 


TO  NIAGARA  FALLS. 


83 


Suip«nsion  Bridge. 


ous,  and  contains  lime  and  magnesia.  This  chaste 
little  temple  was  designed  and  erected  by  Mr. 
Rathbun. 

Turn  we  now  to  the  mighty  attraction  which 
gave  a  location  and  a  name  to  Bellevue.  One 
of  the  wonders  of  this  age  of  wonders.  What 
visitor  could  say,  he  saw  the  Falls,  but  not 

THE    SUSPENSION    BRIDGE? 

•  This  truly  fairy-like  work  was  commenced  in 
February,  1849,  under  the  suprintendence  of 
Charles  Ellet,  Jr.,  Esq.,  of  Philadelphia^  an  En- 
gineer of  good  previous  reputation,  and  who,  in 
this  work,  added  much  to  his  fame. 

The  bridge  was  contracted  to  be  built  for  the 
"  Niagara  Falls  Suspension  Bridge  Company,"  on 
the  Canada  side,  and  "  The  Niagara  Falls  Inter- 
national Bridge  Company,"  on  the/AmeriCan  side 
conjointly ;  a  bill  for  the  purpose  being  passed 
by  the  Legislature  of  each  country. 

The  manner  in  which  the  first  line  of  connection 
was  formed,  was  at  once  simple,  yet  ingenious.  A 
kite  was  procured,  to  the  tail  of  which  was  a  string, 
and  By  flying  this  on  the  one  side,  and  letting  it  out 
untu  it  was  over  the  other  side,  the  gorge  was 
spanned  by  the  string,  by  which  a  cord  was  drawn 


84 


mSCMFTIVS  OUIDB 


AwAil  catastrophe. 


.[ 


across,  and  by  means  of  this  cord,  a  rope  of  suffi- 
cient strength  to  draw  a  cable,  which  latter,  being 
well  secured  on  both  sides,  was  the  means  of  transit 
for  the  first  wire-cable  of  36  strands.  No.  10 
wire,  which  was  1160  feet  in  length.  Towers  had 
now  been  erected  on  each  bank,  800  feet  apart,  by 
which  this  wire-cable  was  secured,  and  on  the  13th 
of  March,  just  one  month  from  the  commencement. 
Ml*.  Ellet  crossed  in  an  iron  basket,  suspended 
from  the  cable.  This  conveyance  was  used  con- 
stantly by  the  workmen  in  constructing  the  bridge. 
And  even  many  persons  paid  for  the  novelty  of  a 
trip  across  in  this  frail  track. 

A  foot-bridge,  three  feet  in  width,  was  soon  con- 
structed, and  over  this  a  great  number  of  persons 
passed,  each  paying  25  cents  to  the  contractor.  A 
sunilar  foot-bridge  was  now  formed  parallel  to  this, 
and  the  basket-cable  in  the  middle. 

A  terrific  scene  occurred  just  about  this  time. 
Whilst  the  workmen  were  busy  at  the  second  foot- 
bridge, which  was  constructed  about  250  feet  from 
the  American  side,  and  about  150  from  the  British, 
a  tornado  from  the  s.  w.,  struck  it,  turning  it  quite 
over.  Six  men  were  at  work  upon  the  flooring  of 
the  bridge  at  this  awful  moment*  two  of  whom  in 
a  most  unaccountable  manner  made  their  way  lo 


TO  NIAGARA  FALLS. 


85 


Workmen  rescued. 


the  shore  upon  fragments  of  boards.  The  unfin- 
ished structure  was  torn  and  wafted  backwards  and 
forwards  like  tlie  broken  web  of  a  spider,  and  four 
helpless  human  beings,  200  feet  from  the  shore, 
supported  by  two  strands  of  No.  10  wire,  were  in 
constant  expectation  of  a  headlong  fall  and  plunge 
into  the  rapids  below  !  Oh,  who  can  fathom  those 
men's  thoughts  just  then  ?  But  the  tiny  thread 
which  held  them  to  existence,  proved  strong  enough 
to  outlast  the  gale.  On  the  first  cessation  of  the 
tornado's  force,  a  brave  fellow-workman  manned 
the  iron  basket,  and  with  a  ladder  proceeded  amid 
the  pelting  o#  the  furious  rain  to  save  the  sufferers. 
He  reached  the  wreck ;  he  placed  his  ladder  in 
communication  with  it,  and  the  basket  thus  afford- 
ing a  means  by  which  all  were  brought  back  safe 
to  terra-firma,  uninjured  in  person,  but  well  nigh 
scared  to  death. 

On  the  26th  of  July  following,  Mr.  Ellet  drove 
a  span  of  horses  and  a  heavy  carriage  over  and 
back,  accompanied  by  his  lady. 

A  disagreement,  which  had  for  some  tipie  ex- 
isted between  the  directors  and  Mr.  Ellet,  now 
came  to  an  open  rupture,  and  the  work  was  dis- 
continued for  some  time. 

The  bridge,  which  we  see,  is  not  the  structure 


86 


DESORIPTiyB   GUIDB 


H«ight  of  tb«  Brid([r«« 


originally  intended.  This  being  merely  prepara- 
tory to  the  great  structure,  wliich  was  to  have  been 
suspended  from  stone  towers,  10  feet  high,  and 
which  would  have  been  10  feet  higher  than  the 
present  bridge,  and  wholly  independent  of  it 

The  present  bridge  was  at  first  economically 
formed  of  very  slight  materials,  it  not  being  ex- 
pected to  last  longer  than,  until  the  great  bridge 
was  constructed,  about  a  year  and  a  half.  It  has, 
however,  been  strengthened  materially,  and  is  now 
capable  of  sustaining  250  tons,  and  is  in  use  as  a 
thoroughfare,  unshaken  by  the  greatest  pressure. 

The  floor  of  the  bridge  is  230  fett  above  the 
river,  and  the  depth  of  the  river  immediately  un- 
der the  bridge  is  250  feet 


THE     WHIRLPOOL. 

From  the  Suspension  Bridge  to  the  commence- 
ment of  the  Whirlpool  Rapids,  is  about  a  hundred 
rods ;  and  the  Whirlpool  itself  is  about  three  miles 
from  the  Falls,  and  one  hundred  rods  from  the 
main  road.  A  tavern  occupies  the  intervening 
space,  the  garden  of  which  is  neatly  laid  out,  and 
steps  are  to  be  found  here,  wliich  lead  to  the  river. 
A  small  fee  is  required  of  the  sti*anger  for  admis- 
don. 


TO   NIAGARA  FALLS. 


87 


The  Whirlpool, 


On  the  American  Cliff  is  a  clmrminir  summer- 
house,  designed  by  Mr.  Rathbl:x. 

Look  down  into  the  circuhir  baj^in,  bounded  by- 
giant  cliffs,  and  see  the  boiling  turmoil  of  waters 
surging  and  tossing  in  this  greenwood  embowered 
caldron.  No  livinof  thinfj  can  struffole  with  this 
angry  whirlpool.  Destruction  surely  awaits  all  that 
falls  within  its  reach. 

Let  us  go  down  these  rude  steps  and  have  a 
closer  view  of  it  ;  for  the  little  sticks,  wliich  we  see 
whirled  around,  believe  me,  are  in  truth,  large 
timbers.  . 

Now,  that  we  are  at  the  base  of  the  cliff,  and 
on  these  level  rocks,  let  us  note  the  mad  excite- 
ment of  those  raging  watei*s. 

Come  round  now  to  the  riglit  and  behold  the 
outlet  of  the  wliirlpool. 

Those  giant  cliffs  wliich  rise  three  hundred  feet 
and  are  not  thirty  rods  apart,  wall  in  the  recreating 
waters  and  confine  their  wild  impetuous  rush,  so  that 
their  force  raises  t'.em  in  the  middle,  as  they 
plunge  some  dozen  feet  into  the  air,  in  the  very 
recklessness  of  fury. 

There  is  a  better  view  of  the  whirlpool  from  the 
Canada  cliff     The  rapids,  as  they  enter,  are  almost 


68 


DBSCRIPTIYB   GUIDE. 


Giant  Cliff. 


in  front  of  you,  and  below  you  is  the  outlet  of 
the  whirlpool  on  the  Canada  side. 

Unlike  the  Falls,  there  is  nothing  to  woo  or  win 
the  senses  about  the  whirlpool.    It  rather  awes 
and  shocks  the  mind  with  its  savage  fury. 
.   We  will  now  wander  on  to  view 


devil's  hole  from  below 

This  is  a  deep,  dark  cave,  or  chasm,  in  the  rocky 
bank — a  gloomy  spot ;  the  sad  history  conntected 


L 


TO  NIAGARA  FALLS. 


80 


Rapi(U  and  oatlet  of  Whlrlpol— Massacre  ef  Bloody  Rnn. 

with  which  ^ves  it  a  dismal  mterest  in  the  mind 
of  the  visitor.  A  perpendicular  massy  cliff  rises 
above  this  demon-titled  cavity,  and  a  narrow  stream 
pours  down  the  cliff  to  the  dark  rocks  below  and 
hurries  onward  to  the  rapid  river. 

This  gloomy  rock-bound,  forest-hidden  cavern 
has  never  felt  the  influence  of  one  solitary  ray  of 
light ;  and  from  its  dark  thrilling  depth,  it  probably 
derives  its  most  appropriate  name.  There  is  another 
claim  which  it  possesses,  and  which  likewise  gave 
name  to  that  little  stream,  which  may  be  found  in 
the  thrilling  narative  of 

THB  MASSACRE   OF  BLOODT  RUN. 

In  the  year  1759,  when  the  British  had  just 
made  good  their  stand,  by  the  possession  of  Forts 
Niagara  and  Schlosser — ^the  French  still  hovering 
round  them,  having  in  pay  the  Seneca  Indians, 
who  were  then  a  very  powerful  tribe — a  large  sup- 
ply of  provisions  was  forwarded  from  Fort  Niagara 
to  Fort  Schlosser,  guarded  by  a  body  of  one  hun- 
dred regulars.  The  Chief  of  the  Senecas,  anxious 
to  show  his  ardor  in  the  cause  of  his  pay-masters, 
formed  an  ambuscade  of  liis  best  warriors,  several 
hundred  strong.  This  was  the  spot  chosen  ;  it  being 
at  that  day  so  thickly  overgrown  with  bushes,  that 


90 


DESORIPTIYE   GUIDE 


ln<liim  HnibuBoadu. 


it  afibrded  an  admirable  j)lace  for  the  execution  of 
the  horrid  project.  The  wiJy  Indian  formed  his 
line  along  the  liill  mid  around  the  plain  in  sucli  a 
manner  as  to  completely  surround  his  victims,  when 
they  should  have  passed  a  certain  line. 

The  day  was  suhry,  and  the  doomed  convoy  not 
expecting  any  danger  near,  scattered,  and  loitered, 
and  dragged  on  their  weary  way,  until  they  came 
to  tlie  Devil's  Hole,  when,  in  gratitication  of  their 
wondering  curiosity,  they  sat  or  lay  down  around 
the  margin  of  the  fearful  precipice.  Their  tancied 
security  was  now  broken  in  upon  by  a  tremendous 
volley  of  fire-arms,  accompanied  by  the  yells  of 
their  savage  enemies,  who  now  rushed  from  their 
cover,  and  giving  their  unhappy  victims  no  time  for 
consideration,  tomahawked  and  knifed  them  on  the 
spot  The  whole  convoy  of  wagons,  horses, 
soldiers  and  drivers  were  hurled  over  the  preci- 
pice, and  dashed  to  pieces  on  the  rocks  below! 
whilst  the  little  stream  swelled  to  a  torrent,  purple 
red  with  human  gore. 

Of  all  that  gallant,  heedless  jonvoy,  but  two 
escaped  to  tell  the  story  of  its  fate  ;  the  one  a 
Mr.  Stedman,  and  the  other  a  private  soldier,  who 
was  forced  over  the  precipice,  but  had  the  good 
fortune  in  falling,  to  be  caught  on  the  limb  of  a 


TO   NIAGARA  FALLS. 


91 


Escape  of  Mr.  S  ted  man. 


tree  by  tjie  belt  Mr.  Stedman  dashed  his  horse 
through  tlie  Indian  lines,  and  escaped,  amid  a  storm 
of  bullets,  to  Fort  Schlosser,  with  his  clothes  com- 
pletely riddled.  The  soldier  arrived  in  safety,  un- 
der cover  of  the  night,  at  Fort  Niagara. 

Some  years  ago,  bones,  broken  wheels,  and  other 
mementos  of  this  cruel  assault  were  found  down 
in  the  chasm  and  on  the  rocks,  but  they  have  long 
smce  been  lost  in  the  gul£ 


OUTLET   OF  THB  WHIRLPOOL,  ON  THE  CANADA  SIDE. 


92 


DBSOmPTIVB   GUIDB 


Accident*  at  tha  Falls. 


ACCIDENTS  WHICH   HAVE   OCCUBJEUED 

AT  THE  FALLS. 

N  Saturday,  the  13th  of  July,  1850,  as 
a  boy,  ten  years  old,  was  rowing  his 
fathei*  over  to  their  home  on  Grand 
Island,  the  father  being  so  very  drunk 
as  not  to  be  able  to  assist  any  more  than  to  steer 
the  canoe,  the  wind,  which  was  very  sti'ong  off 
shore,  so  frustrated  the  efforts  of  his  liny  arm, 
that  the  canoe  in  spite  of  him,  got  into  the  current 
and  finally  into  the  rapids,  within  a  very  few  rods 
of  the  Falls  I  On  went  the  frail  shell,  careerirtg 
and  plunging  as  the  mad  waters  chose.  Still  the 
gallant  little  oarsman  maintained  his  struggle 
with  the  raging  billows,  and  actually  got  the  canoe 
by  his  persevering  manoevring  so  close  to  Iris  Is- 
land, as  to  have  her  driven  by  a  providential  wave 
in  between  the  little  islands,  called  the  Sisters. 
Here  the  father  and  his  dauntless  boy  were  in  still 
greater  danger  for  an  instant ;  for,  there  is  a  fall 


mmcavflf^MMi 


TO  iriAOAIU  FALLS. 


93 


AeeidMite  At  the  Falk. 


between  the  two  islands,  over  which  had  they  gone, 
no  earthly  power  could  have  withheld  their  final 
passage  to  the  terrific  precipice,  which  forms  the 
Horse-shoe  Fall !  But  the  sudden  dash  of  a  wave 
capsized  the  canoe,  and  left  the  two  struggling  in 
the  w^r.  Being  near  a  rock,  and  shallow,  the  boy 
lost  no.  time,  but  seizing  his  father  by  the  coat  col- 
lar, he  dragged  him  up  to  a  place  of  safety,  where 
the  crowd  of  anxious  citizens  awaited  to  lend  assist- 
ance. The  poor  boy  on  reachmg  the  shore  in 
safety,  instantly  fainted,  while  his  miserable  father 
was  sufficiently  sobered  by  the  perils  he  had 
passed  through ;  and,  if  he  have  the  mmd  of  a  man 
he  can  never  recur  to  that  awful  voyage,  without 
a  shudder  of  horror  at  his  own  beastly  appetite, 
which  reduced  him  to  such  a  condition  as  to  en- 
danger not  alone  his  own  life,  but  that  of  his  gal- 
lant and  dutiful  child. 

The  canoe  was  dashed  to  pieces  on  the  rocks 
ere  it  reached  its  final  leap. 

Had  it  been  at  the  other  side  of  Iris  Island,  that 
the  canoe  was  driven  amongst  the  rapids,  it  would 
not  have  been  possible  to  entertain  the  most  dis- 
tant hope  of  their  escape.  There  never  was  known 
an  instance  of  a  boat  on  that  side  living  in  the 
rapids. 


94 


DESORIPTIVB   GUIDE 


TaUm  Rock,  i»H  in  extent  thun  formerly, 


A  German,  from  Buffalo,  some  two  years  since 
a  shoemaker  by  trade,  either  through  accident  or 
design,  it  is  not  known  which,  was  sailing  down  the 
rapids  in  a  small  boat.  There  were  several  spec- 
tators of  his  terrific  situation,  standing  on  the  bridge 
leading  to  Bath  Island,  at  the  time  of  his  ^)roach, 
as  the  dancing  boat  careered  over  the  rolling  rapids 
and  bore  him  close  to  the  bridge,  he  called  out, 
"Shall  I  jump  out,  or  remain?"  They  were  too 
horrified  to  answer  him,  and  in  another  instant  the 
boat  had  passed  beneath  the  bridge,  and  was  bump, 
ing  among  the  rocks,  and  plunging  on  the  backs  of 
the  rapids.  At  last,  the  boat  was  capsized  and  the 
doomed  man  was  borne  to  the  terrible  brink,  where 
his  body  was  raised  to  an  upright  position  and 
carried  down  into  eternity ! 

On  another  occasion,  a  poor  woman  was  washing 
clothes  in  the  mill-stream,  with  her  Httle  child, 
playing  in  a  tub,  near  her.  Before  she  was  aware 
of  the  terrible  fact,  the  tub,  -with  the  child,  had 
floated  into  the  river,  and  thence,  ere  mortal  aid 
could  come,  into  the  rapids,  which  soon  bore  the 
poor  parent's  doomed  offspring  over  the  relentless 
cataract,  drowning  her  screams  with  its  ceaseless 
thunders  I 


TO  KIAOARA  FALLS. 


05 


Accident!  at  the  Falls. 


CHARLES   ADDINOTON  AND  NETTI^  DE  FOREST. 

Lunar  Island  never  saw  a  more  delightful  eve- 
ning than  that  of  June  21st,  1849,  enlivened  as  it 
was,  by  young  and  happy  hearts,  full,  even  to  burst- 
ing, with  their  own  joyousness.  The  gay  party  in 
question  consisted  of  Mrs.  De  Forest,  of  Buffalo, 
Mrs.  Miller,  and  Mr.  Bowen,  who  getting  tired,  took 
advantage  of  some  seats  on  Iris  Island,  whilst  the 
young  people  to  the  number  of  nine,  repaired  to 
Lunar  Island  ;  where  having  enjoyed  themselves, 
and  being  about  to  return  to  Iris  Island,  Charles 
Addington  playfully  caught  Nettie  De  Forest  and 
pretended  to  throw  her  into  the  stream.  The 
buoyant  child  jumped  from  him,  and  in  an  instant 
was  in  the  wild  current!  Poor  Charles  Adding- 
ton, without  a  pause,  sprung  after  her,  and  both 
were  canied  over  ihe  dreadful  precipice,  locked  in 
each  other's  arms,  with  their  agonized  coimtenances 
turned  to  the  last  on  the  horrified  group  of  com- 
panions, who  saw,  but  could  not  save  them  I 

Miss  De  Forest's  mangled  remains  vera  found 
the  next  day,  at  2  o'cloc^,  p.  m.,  in  the  Cave  of  the 
Winds,  and  in  a  few  days  after  the  body  of  the 
gallant  and  generous  young  Addington  was  like- 
wise recovered  and  interred  in  the  village. 


» 


v^ 


06 


DESORIFTiyK   QUIDB 


AooideaU  at  ih«  F»lli. 


We  will  make  no  apology  for  introducing  here 
the  following  beautiful  lines,  written  on  this  sad 
event,  by  a  young  lady  of  taste  and  feeling. 


ON  THE  LATE  DISASTER  AT  THE  FALLS. 


A  mild  and  lonely  day  had  past, 
Too  bright,  like  earthly  hopes,  to  last) 
And  Luna  rose,  with  placid  smile, 
To  gteet  her  small  but  favorite  isle ; 
In  rivalry  of  Sol,  to  throw 
A  richer  veil  of  light  below, 
And  challenge  isle,  and  shore,  and  strcwa, 
To  praise  her  milder,  lovelier  beam. 

On  that  fair  isle  were  gathor'd  then. 
Reluctant  still  to  leave  the  scene, 
A  pleasant  group.    Joy,  love,  and  graca 
Beam'd  all  around,  from  every  face. 
Sweet  Antoinette,  that  favor' d  child, 
Gamboi'd  so  innocent  and  wild ; 
Wreath'd  every  lip  with  smiles,  to  see 
Her  joyous  spirit  bounding  free. 
Had  angels  taught  it,  hovering  round 
With  heav'nly  grace,  to  spurn  the  ground ; 
That  soon  immortal  it  should  soar 
Where  earth  could  fetter  it  no  morel 

A  manly  youth  and  maiden  fair, 
Parents  and  friends,  were  standing  there, 
And  all  with  flashing  wit  and  song 
The  pleasing  hours  would  fain  prolong. 
Enchantment  clothed  the  earth  and  sky 
Ah  1  who  could  dream  of  danger  nigh  1 

Angels  of  light  were  passing  near— 
They  *'  walk  unseen  "  the  earth  and  air, 


JH ' 


GENERAL  VIEW  OF  NIAGARA  FALLS 


AGARA  FALLS  FROM  THE  CANADA  SIDE. 


MNMi**VW*«fqf 


mm.  .iii|i.mu!i".> mm   .-".J  i  ".u'iwWi»l!l';«.''U'jyiSf';'i'''''^i-'.W^ 


'  *¥-^'k 


.(.l^iitWvi':. 


fi''.  -i" 


,<< 


-% 


•^ 


^ 


t.*!***"!***""*'" 


TO  KIA0A1U  rALU. 


97 


AeeidenU  at  tb«  Falli. 


■-T. 

■■S 
^1 


4r^ 


And  knew  those  parenin  soon  must  part 

From  joys  entwined  around  the  heart ; 

Confiding  love  receive  the  blow 

That  lays  a  worship'd  idol  low. 

Surely  a  pitying  angel's  tear 

ChilI'd  that  fond  father's  heart  with  fear, 

*'  Come  here,  my  child  I  come  here  I"  be  cried, 

**  Beware  the  rushing  river's  tide." 

"  Never  you  mind— let  her  alone ; 

I'll  watch,"  said  noble  Addington. 


•)i- 

!* 

* 


She  puU'd  his  coat  in  playful  glee — 

"  Aha  I  you  rogue  I  you  're  caught,"  laid  he," 

"  Now  shall  r  throw  you  in  V*  She  laughs ; 

Her  trembling  form  he  touch'd ; 

She  sprang— she  falls ;  "  O  mercy !  save  1' 

**  She's  gone  I    O  God  1"  one  look  he  gave. 

One  word  of  horror,  that  shall  dwell 

For  ever  fresh  in  memory's  cell ; 

Then  sprang  to  clasp  that  precious  trust. 

Gigantic  efforts  fail.    "  We  must 

Be  lost!    Great  God!  no  human  aid 

Avails  us  now !    Save  us,"  he  pray'd, 

**  For  Jesus'  sake^  O  save  our  soula  1" 

The  dashing  torrent  onward  rolls. 

Unheeding  that  shrill,  bitter  cry 

Of  living,  human  agony. 

Bursting  afresh  when  straining  eye 

Fail'd  soon  the  loved  ones  to  decry 

Upon  the  raging  waters  tost, 

**  Heart-rending  cry,  *'  They  're  lost !  they  're  loit  1" 


For  "Jesus'  sake,"— that  matchless  word- 
It  soared  to  heaven.    The  Father  heard : 
"  Fly,  Gabriel,  with  thy  chosen  band, 
Take  crowns  of  gold,  and  harps  in  hand ; 
Array'd  in  robes  of  spotless  white. 
Conduct  them  to  these  realms  of  light." 

7 


98 


DBSOBIFnYB   QUIDS 


Aoeidento  at  tb*  F«Ua. 


Upriring  from  the  npkl'i  foam, 
Redeem'd  those  blessed  spirits  come » 
0 1  what  a  radiant  sight  in  riew ; 
With  eager  haste  the  angels  flew, 
StriUng  their  golden  harps  anew. 
**  Come,  sister  spirits,  come  away, 
Gome  home  to  hearen,"  their  joyful  Uqr. 

O,  mourning  souls  I  6ouId  ye  but  hear 
Those  strains  salute  the  ravidi'd  ear ; 
Tears  for  the  liring  would  be  shed ; 
Stoiles  are  the  tribute  for  the  dead, 
Not "  wreathing  lips  "  soon  to  depart 
Playing  forever  round  the  heart. 
Grief,  pain  and  death  disturb  no  more, 
Not  **  lost  those  dear  one's  gone  before." 


Let,  still,  Niagara  lorely  seem, 
Its  island,  mist,  and  rapid  stream, 
Its  fleeting  bows  of  splendors  bright. 
Fall  plsasantly  upon  the  sight. 
Remember  that  two  cherished  flowei% 
Transplanted  to  celestial  bowers, 
The  river  from  that  island  bore, 
To  bloom  unfading  evermore. 
Prayer,  grateful,  like  that  mist,  should  rise 
From  depths  of  sorrow  to  the  skies ; 
Then  shall  the  "  Sun  of  righteousness  " 
Shine  through  its  prism  of  grief,  and  blest 
With  bows  of  promise,  bright  and  waraii 
Fadeless  in  sunshine  and  in  storm. 
And  when  ye  hear  the  ceaseless  sound 
That  thundering  shakes  the  solid  ground^ 
The  cataract  in  its  dark  career, 
O,  not  in  sorrow  close  the  ear  t      « 
Let  Faith  behold  that  seraph  throng, 
WhoM  ceaaeleai  and  eternal  soiif, 


TO  NIAGARA  FALLS. 


99 


Aeeidents  «t  th«  Falls. 


Like  "  sound  of  many  w&ten  "  seem, 
And  love  and  bliss  are  all  the  themoi 
/     Praising  the  Wise  and  Good  Supreme. 
Pleasant  Valley,  1849.  ^  Makt. 

Thus  perished  in  the  flower  of  their  youths  two 
promising  hopes  of  heaHrwning  parents.  Poor 
Mrs.  De  Forest  did  not  long  survive  the  dreadful 
fate  of  her  "  Nettie,"  and  the  anguishing  scene  of 
that  awful  evening  has  made  an  impression  on  tiie 
horrified  young  spectators  which  time  can  nerer 
erase. 

MISS    MARTHA    K.   RUGG. 

This  young  lady  had  visited  the  Falls,  when  on 
her  way  to  Detroit  to  vi^t  a  sister,  in  August, 
11344. 

On  the  memorable  morning  of  the  24th,  whilst 
approaching  Table  Rock,  she  stepped  upon  the 
bank,  about  fifty  rods  below  the  Museum,  letting 
go  the  arm  of  the  gentleman  who  accompanied 
her,  in  order  to  pluck  some  evergreens — ^when  the 
earth,  giving  way  with  her  weight,  she  was  percipi- 
tated  down  a  perpendicular  height  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty  feet,  falling  on  a  bed  of  sharp  rocks  I 
The  poor  girl  gave  one  piercing  shriek  ;  her  com- 
panion grasped  her  shawl,  which  gave  way,  and 
she  descended  1    Doctor  G.'  A.  Sturgis^  of  New 


«a« 


100 


DBSORIPTiyB   QjpjiK 


AMidMta  •!  tlM  Fulli. 


York,  happening  to  be  at  the  Falls,  and  just  then 
in  the  Museum,  near  at  hand,  hunied  down  the 
stairs  at  Table  Bock,  accompanied  by  several,  and 
after  much  labor  and  fsitigue  reached  the  fatal 
spot,  where  thej  found  Miss  Ruog  on  the  pomted 
rocks  still  alive.  On  being  bled,  she  revived,  and 
said,  flEiintly,  to  those  around  her,  *'  Pick  me  up." 
This  was  done,  and  she  was  conveyed  m  a  boat  to 
the  ferry-landing,  and  from  thence  to  the  Clifton 
House,  where  she  expired  in  three  hours  from  the 
time  of  this  melancholy  accident 

DEATH    OF    D.    HUNOBBFOBD. 

Nor  are  the  chances  of  accident  confined  to  the 
descent  There  is  danger  in  many  places  wher6 
strangers  go— and,  although  those  accidents  hap- 
pen seldom,  yet,  when  they  do  occur,  there  is  a 
painful  memory  of  the  solitaiy  case,  for  years  after 
its  occurrence.  Such,  for  instance,  was  that  of  IX 
HuNOBRFORD,  of  Troy,  in  this  State. 

'^  About  10  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  the  27  th  of 
May,  1839,  the  doctor  in  company  with  Mr.  Niles, 
of  Columbus,  (0.),  and  Mr.  lindsey,  the  guide, 
were  viewing  the  river  and  the  Falls,  from  below 
Iris  Island ;  and,  being  satisfied,  were  about  to  de- 
part»  when  a  cloud  of  falling  dust,  told  too  plainly 


TO   NIAOARA  FALLS. 


101 


Aoeidenta  at  the  Fall*. 


that  some  of  the  impending  mass  above  was  falling, 
Mr.  Niles  and  the  guide,  in  hurrying  from  the  spot 
became  informed  of  the  melancholy  fsuot,  that  D.- 
HuNGERFORD  had  been  severely  hurt  by  some  of 
the  fallen  mass.  They  carried  him  away,  but  he 
did  not  long  survive — Shaving  been  struck  on  the 
head  and  neck. 

THE   WHITE    CANOES. 


AN    INDIAN    LEGEND. 

In  years  gone  by,  when  the  forest  wild  closed 
in  the  sublime  temple  oi  nature,  which  is  now  im- 
veiled  to  the  inquisitive  white  man  in  the  sheeted 
cataract  of  Niagara — when,  none,  save  the  Indian 
worshipers,  ventured  to  gaze  upoii  the  place  where 
their  simple,  yet  beautifully  imaginative  faith  taught 
them  to  feel  the  presence  of  the  Great  Being, 
whose  solemn  voice  made  the  forest  ring,  and  the 
ground  tremble, — ^it  was  customary  to  oflFer  a  liv- 
ing sacrifice,  once  a  year,  to  be  conveyed  by  the 
foaming  messengers  of  the  water-spirit,  to  the  un- 
known gulf,  which,  through  the  light  of  imagina- 
tion alone  they  knew  aught  about 

In  the  bright  autumnal  month  of  August,  when 
all  earth's  flowers  were  at  their  richest^  and  the 


_^WP^W«^»" 


102 


DESORIPTIVS   GUIDE 


^«^ 


Aeeid«nta  »t  the  FaIIi. 


fruits  liad  attained  their  mellowest  tint  aiAk  Ccste, 
ere  Time  oould  bring  his  sickle  round  them,  the 
J  watchful  sachem  gave  the  word,  and  the  full  fiuits 
and  flowers  were  stowed  in  a  white  canoe,  to  be 
paddled  by  the  iairest  maiden  that  had  just  thoa 
arrived  at  woman-hood. 

Honored  was  that  tribe,  whose  turn  it  was  to  float 
their  blooming  offering  to  the  shrine  of  the  Great 
Spirit.;  and  still  more  honored  was  the  piaid  who 
was  a  fitting  sacrifice. 

Lena  wa?  the  only  cliild  and  darling  of  Oronta, 
the  proudest  Chief  of  the  Senecaa  Full  many  a 
bloody  fight  had  seen  his  single  feather  pass  in 
triiunph,  like  the  pestilential  blast,  scathing  where 
he  came,  and  leaving,  when  he  left  the  red  track 
of  his  hatchet  and  tomahawk. 

Spring  followed  Spring,  Summer  breathed  on 
Summer,  and  Autumn  ripened  into  Autumn,  as 
Time  crowned  each  year  with  glories  which  he  but 
|R^pared  for  witherii^  Winter^s  cold  embrace. 
And  every  annual  round  had  sent  an  offering  to 
the  thunder-god  of  the  secluded  Niagara. 

Oronta  danced  in  pride  and  triumph  at  many  a 
holy  feast,  which  followed  the  sacrifical  gift,  which 
his  rejoicing  tribe  had  in  their  turn  given.  But 
Obonta  felt  not  for  the  fathers,  whose  precious 


TO  NIAGARA.  FALLS. 


108 


Aeeideiiti  at  tbe  Fallk 


jewels  were  thus  taken  from  their  wigwam,  and 
committed  to  the  grave  of  roaring  waters.  OftON- 
TA  thought  not  that  they  had  earthly  feelings, 
which  the  ardor  of  religion  could  not  always  quite 
subdue.  Oronta  had  lost  his  fiedrwife,  Calma; 
but  it  was  by  a  foeman's  arrow,  and  teirifoly  had 
he  ayenged  his  bereavement 

Qmce  that  event,  his  motherless  child  had  fdt 
the  glow  of  fifteen  summers — ^till,  like  a  rose  she 
opened  all  her  beauties  to  the  maturing  breaith  of 
Nature. 

The  day  of  sacrifice  came.  It  belongs  to  the 
Senecas,  and  Lena  is  the  only  offering  fitting  the 
occasion. 

Can  the  proud  Oronta  show  his  weakness  ? 
Can  he  let  the  father's  bursting  bosom  be  seen  to 
tremble  ?  Can  he  give  ear  to  Nature,  lest  she 
blend  his  ^ove  and  pity  in  a  tear,  that  may  isH 
down  a  blot  upon  his  name  ? 

The  moon-lit  hour  is  come  ;  the  rejoicing  dance 
goes  on ;  Oronta  has  parted  his  Lena,  to  meet 
where  the  Great  Spirit  reigns.  His  wigwam  on 
the  high  bank  is  lonely  now. 


* 


% 


He 


The  yeil  of  fanatic  triumph  goes  up  from  a 
thousand  Senecas.    The  white  canoe  has  shot  from 


104 


DBSORIPTIVB   OUIDB 


Aocidanti  «t  tha  FM». 


yonder  bank,  and  the  sachems,  as  they  gaze  upon 
it»  shout  io  heaven  their  joyous  benediction. 

But,  ere  the  dancing  craft  has  yet  approached  its 
doomed  descent^  behold  another  white  canoe  has 
shot  out  on  the  mad  rapids,  and  both  are  poxaid 
for  eternity  ! 

The  first  bears  the  full  blown  offering  of  fruits 
and  flowers,  with  Lena  for  their  fairest  She  goes 
as  an  offering  of  the  highest  value  ;  and  she  is  fol- 
lowed by  Oronta,  who  brings  his  fUll  grown  glories 
of  battle  and  of  chase,  a  willing  offering  for  a  re- 
union with  his  wife. and  child. 

By  a  strange  chance,  Lena's  little  vessel  pauses 
by  a  rock,  just  on  the  verge  of  the  descent — ^per- 
mitting Oronta's  to  come  near — ^when,  both  to- 
gether rise  upon  the  plunging  rapids,  one  look — 
one  mutual  look  of  love,  of  hope,  of  happiness, 
is  exchanged — ^and  the  forest  rings  again  with  the 
yell  of  the  Senecas,  as  the  father  and'  the  child 
drop  down  the  cataract  together  in  their  Whiti 
Canqss!- 


TO  KUOARA  FALLS. 


105 


Conelusion— Staj  nid  ttniy. 


CONCLUSION. 


0  W,  reader,  we  have  visited  (he  prin- 
cipal points  of  attraction  in  this  vicinity 
of  wonders ;  it  is  for  you  to  decide, 
whether  you  will  remain,  study,  and 
contemplate  what  we  have  gone  over. 

It  is  not  by  a  hasty  visit,  you  can  become  ac- 
quainted with  the  unequalled  scenes  of  the  world- 
renowned  Niagara  No,  you  must  stay  and  stray ; 
you  must  look  out  for  new  lights  of  beauty  in  which 
to  view  them,  and  you  will  be  sure  to  find  such, 
however  often  you  seek  ! 

The  time  is  a  grand  point  in  viewing  these  scenes 
to  perfection.  It  is  not  in  the  glare  of  thenoon- 
day,  when  all  around  is  rich  and  gay  with  the  re- 
flection of  the  radiant  simbeam  :  It  is  not  in  the 
company  of  laughter-loving,  thoughtless  youth ;  It 
is,  rather,  by  yourself  alone,  at  sunrise,  when  the 
ousts  are  rising  in  their  majesty,  like  Incense  up  to 
heaven;  encircled  by  the  peerless  rainbow,  which 


106 


DBSOBIFnYtt   GUIDl 


Look  oot  and  eont«Dipl«te. 


the  rising  orb  of  day  has  sent  to  herald  his  coming, 
in  hues  of  brightest  hope. 

Or,  view  these  varied  scenes  under  the  heaven- 
bom  influence  of  a  moon-lit  night ;  and,  oh,  what 
mind  would  not  soften  its  thoughts  to  tears,  in  that 
holy  contemplation  of  Nature  and  of  God  ! 


TO  HIAOARA  VILLS. 


lot 


late  Casualty  at  the  Falla 

Ob  SaAordaj,  tfa«  18th  of  Jone^  18A8,  fhi«e  men  belongiag  to  % 
weoiw  ued  for  taking  nuid  down  iht  rirtr,  who  had  got  into  » 
boat  attaehed  to  tho  aoow,  haring  beoomo  aeparated  tharafrom, 
wara  hnrriad  down  tha  xlTar.  Tha  boat  waa  iwampad,  tha  man 
eaat  into  tha  rirar,  two  of  tham  baing  ait  onoa  oarriad  orar  tha 
lUla»  tha  othar,  namad  Joaaph  Ararj,  hj  ehanoa  itrUdng  and 
dinging  to  a  atomp  about  midwaj  batwaan  tha  Falla  and  Goat 
bland  Bridge.  Hara  ha  remained,  half  eUnging  to  and  half  perdi- 
ing  npon  tha  lof^  from  whieh  ha  would  ooeaalonalljr  dip  down  and 
walk  a  little  r^  tiia  rodn  whidi  were  onlj  a  abort  diitanea  under 
water.  AfewfoetinadTanoawaaaamalllUlofaboutftmrorflta 
flBet^  and  here  and  on  eadi  dde  of  him,  the  watera  rudied  wildly 
on  at  *  apeed  of  about  forty  milea  an  hoar.  About  two  o*doek  In 
the  afternoon,  a  raft  waa  oonatrueted,  formed  of  eroaaed  tlmbens 
atrongly  ikatened  in  »  aqnare  form,  a  hogdiead  being  i^laeed  in  tha 
eenter.  The  raft  waa  itrongly  aeoured  with  ropea  on  eadi  dda^ 
and  waa  floated  down  to  the  roeka  upon  wbidi  Avery  waa  atar 
tloned.  Aa  it  approadied  the  apot  where  he  atood,  the  rope  got 
Hurt  in  the  rodca,  and  the  raft  became  Immorable.  Arery  then 
appeared  to  muater  atrength  and  courage,  and  deaoending  from 
the  log,  walked  orer  the  rodca  to  the  place  where  the  rope  had 
eanght,  and  labored  long  and  hard  to  diaengage  it  from  the  rocka. 
After  Bome  time  he  auoceeded,  and  then,  with  renewed  energy,  in- 
apired  by  the  hope  of  rescue,  he  pulled  manfolly  at  the  rope  un- 
til he  succeeded  in  bringing  the  raft  from  the  current  toward  hia 
ftarfnl  reating.place. 

Aveiy  now  got  on  to  the  raft,  making  Umaelf  ftat  thereto  by 
meana  of  ropea  whldi  had  been  placed  there  for  that  purpoae,  and 
thoae  on  the  land  commenced  drawing  it  toward  the  ahore.— 
It  had  approached  within  thirty  fittt  of  one  of  the  amall  iaUmd% 
toward  which  ita  eourae  waa  directed,  when  auddenly  it  became 
•tationary  in  the  midst  of  the  rapids,  the  ropea  hating  again 
caught  in  the  rocks.  All  endeaTora  to  move  it  were  found  to  be 
in  tmin,  and  much  fear  was  entertained  that  the  strain  upon  the 
ropes  might  break  them  and  occadon  the  poor  fellow's  loss.— Ya^ 
rious  suggestions  were  now  volunteered,  and  seTeral  attem]^ 
were  made  to  readi  Lim.  One  man  went  out  in  »  boat  aa  for  aa 
he  dared  to  yenture,  and  aaked  him  if  he  would  Iksten  nropa 


I 


108 


burkb's  ouidb 


ronnd  his  bodj  and  tnxBt  to  being  draT^n  in  by  that.  The  poor 
fellow,  however,  ahook  his  head  despondingly,  as  though  he  felt 
that  he  had  not  strength  enough  remaining  to  make  himself  se- 
enre  to  »  rope.  At  length  a  boat  was  gdt  ready— a  life-boat, 
which  had  aniyed  from  BuffiUo— and  was  launched.  Seeing  the 
preparations,  Avery  unloosed  his  fiutenings,  i7ith  the  intention 
of  bdng  ready  to  spring  into  the  boat.  Borne  on  by  the  rushing 
waters,  and  amid  the  breathless  suspense  of  the  spectators,  the 
boat  approached  the  raft.  A  thrill  ran  through  the  crowC— the 
boat  lived  in  the  angry  waves— it  struck  the  raft— a  shout  of  Joy 
rang  fbrth  from  the  shores^  for  it  was  believed  that  he  was  saved— 
when  suddenly  the  hope  that  had  been  raised  was  again  de- 
stroyed—«  momenf  s  confusion  followed  the  collision,  and  in  the 
next  the  victim  was  seen  in  the  midst  of  the  waters,  separated 
from  his  fhdl  support  and  struggling  for  life.  For  a  minute  or 
two  the  poor  fellow,  striking  out  boldly,  swam  strongly  toward 
the  island,  and  the  cry  echoed  from  shore  to  shore  that  he  would 
yet  be  saved.  But  soon  the  fact  became  cerh\in  that  he  receded 
from  the  shore— his  strength  was  evidently  failing.  Gradually  he 
was  borne  back  into  the  fiercest  part  of  the  current— slowly  at 
firsts  then  more  rapidly.  STriftly  and  more  swiftly  he  approached 
the  brink  of  the  ffttal  precipice— the  waters  had  him  at  last,  their 
nnAsputed  victim,  and  madly  they  tthirled  him  on  to  death,  as 
though  enraged  at  his  persevering  efforts  to  escape  their  Airy.  A 
sickening  feeling  came  over  the  spectators  when,  just  on  tte  brink 
of  the  precipice,  the  doomed  mau  sprung  up  from  the  waters 
—clear  from  their  surface— raising  himself  upright  sb  a  statue, 
with  his  arms  flung  wildly  aloft,  and  with  a  piercing  shriek  that 
rang  loudly  above  the  mockitig  roar  of  the  cataract,  fell  back  again 
into  the  foaming  waves,  and  was  hurled  over  the  brow  of  the  fatal 
predpioe  I  We  have  no  heart  for  comment  upon  the  melancholy 
and  awful  event  The  fate  of  poor  Avery  will  add  another  to  the 
inany  fearful  local  incidents  already  related  by  the  guides  at  the 
Falls,  and  for  tmuv  his  critical  situation,  his  hard  struggles,  his  fear- 
M.  death,  will  be  the  theme  of  many  a  harrowing  tale.  And  viftitors 
to  the  mighty  cataract  will  seek  the  scene  of  the  terrible  catastro- 
phe  with  a  shuddt^rinpr  curiosity,  and  the  timid  and  the  imagina* 
five  ifiU  fimcy,  in  the  dusk  of  the  evening,  ttiat  they  still  hear 
above  the  waters^  roar  the  fearful  shriek  that  preceded  th^  latal 
plonge.— JSm^ilo  Commercial  JdotrtiMr, 


110 


DBSORIFTIYB  GUIDE    \ 


The  new  Rail  war  Snipeiuioii  Bndife. 


THE  NEW  RAILWAY  SUSPENSIOK  BRIDGE, 

Immediately  over  the  origmal  Suspension  bridfi^ 
erected  at  Niagara  City,  there  has  been  construct- 
ed a  firm  and  stable  bridge  fojr  the  passage  of  the 
Great  Western,  and  New  York  Central  Bail  Boad 
trains.  The  largest  trains  pass  over  it  without  earn- 
ing the  slightest  vibration.  ^.^^ 

This  Rail  Ror.d  Bridge,  winch  is  MlWyaMtt- 
fM4Mi4i«f  that  for  foot  passenc^  and  vehiolei^  is 

^       ^uspended  on  either  side,  from  fflu  towers  «»  'im. 

1/  "wtB  tne  solid  rock.    The  height  of  the  towers  on 

the  American  side,  is  88  feet;  on  the  Canada  side, 
but  78  fefiVfl  The  length  of  span  from  tower 
to  t6wer,jyi0  feet  The  flooring  i^  elevated  J9^ 
feet  above  the^ower  bridge,  and  4^  feet  above 
the  river.    Th^^  cables  from  which  the  flooring  i 


^%>9\Ci 


IS 


suspended^jtfe^eaph  formed  o?  3,6&9  strands  of 
No.  9  wire.^  The  weisrht  of  the  sunersl 


iperstructurc  ts 


750  tons;  tne  weight  of  average  trains,  600  tons, 
making  an  aggregate  weight  of  1,250  tons  when 
a  train  is  crossing  the  bridge.  The  total  strength 
of  cables  is  12,400  tons;  so  that  it  is  really  capable 
of  sustaining  a  weight  ten  timet  greater  than  is 
required  for  the  safe  passage  of  r^nd  railway 
trains. 


TO  NIAGARA   FALLS. 


Ill 


L«wist«n. 


LEWISTON. 


wiiMiuiwuZwtej 


m 


gBBMBJ^ I  11        IMhhl^lJMBi 


L1WI9T0N  LANDINO. 


C 


Tbree  miles  below  the  Devil's  Hole,  and  at  tlic 
ii(  ?t!  ♦ira  terminus  of  the  Buffalo,  Niagara  Falls 
and  J  .v?iston  Rail  Road,  is  the  village  of  Lewiston. 
It  is  picturesquely  situated  upon  an  even  tract  of 
country,  w^^'ch  reaches  from  the  mountain  ridge  to 
Lake  Ontario,  and  presents  that  pleasing  and  love- 
ly appearance  which  characterizes  so  many  Ameri- 

n  villages. 

The  village  was  n.  med  in  honor  of  Gov.  Lewi:^, 
in  1806,  and  was  destroyed  by  the  British  forces  in 
1813.  At  the  termination  of  the  war  it  was  re- 
built and  has  gradually  increased  to  its  present 


112 


DBSdRIPTIVB  QUIDS, 


Lswiston. 


size.  A  very  flourishing  academy,  four  or  five 
churches,  and  a  well  conducted  hotel— ''The 
American" — ^grace  the  village.  I 

Fort  Green-  and  the  Five-mile  Meadows,  locali- 
ties interesting  from  their  connection -with  remin- 
iscences of  he  r'^^r  strife,  are  both  within  short  rides 
of  the  village. 

The  site  of  the  village  of  Lewiston  once  formed 
the  home  of  the  Mohawk  Indians,  who^  after  leav- 
^ing  the  banks  of  the  river  bearing  their  name,  in  the 
State  of  New  York,  resorted  to  this  place,  and 
here,  under  the  leadership  of  theur  celebrated 
chief  **Thayendenega,'V  known  in  civilized  life  as 
Joseph  Brant,  formed  a  considerable  village. 

The  ''Tuscaroras,"  an  Indian  tribe  that  has 
long  dwelt  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Falls,  havv  a  vil- 
lage within  three  miles  of  Lewiston. 

The  character  of  the  scenery  of  Niagara  Biver 
is  changed  at  Lewiston.  The  river  from  the  brow 
of  the  mountain  sweeps  on  in  a  tranquil  current  to 
the  lake.  The  shores  retain  all  their  beauty,  but 
lose  their  wildness.  Fine  farms  and  beautiful 
groves  line  the  river  on  either  side. 

The  Ontario  and  St  Lawrence  Steamboat  Com- 
pany*b  line  of  beautiful  steamers  ply  regularly  dur- 
ing the  summer  months  between  Lewiston,  Toronto, 


TO  HIAGARA  FALLS. 


118 


Stearoen  oa  Lake  Ontario. 


Capeyinoent,  Oswego,  Ogdensburg,  and  Montreal. 
The  boats  forming  the  line  are  commodious  and 
tastefully  decorated,  and  imsurpassed  for  comfort 
and  seaworthy  qualities. 


MBV  KAMA8AU0UA,  AX  TBI  XOUTE  OV  MUaXRk  BI71B. 


QUEENSTON. 

QueenstOii,  opposite  Lewiston,  is  a  sm&ll»  quaint- 
looking,  and  very  irregular  village.  The  place  is 
celebrated  as  the  possessor  of  two  dingy-looking 
and  dilapidated  taverns,  a  stranded  hoi'se-boat  of 
ancient  conlstruction,  and  as  the  scene  of  one  of  the 
hardest  fights  during  the  last  war  with  Great 

Britain.    On  Queenston  Heights,  which  overlook 

8 


mmmmm 


i 


114 


DXSORIPTIVS   GUIDE 


(ilneenston. 


the  village,  was  fought  the  most  desperately  con- 
tested battle^  of  the  late  war,  in  which  the  Ameri- 
can forces  finally  lost  a  thrioe-won  victory,  and 
were  compelled  to  lay  down  their  arms.  The 
English  sustained  a  severe  loss  in  the  death  of 
General  Brock,  which  no  victory  could  compensate. 
He  was  killed  by  a  musket  ball,  in  the  early  part 
of  the  action,  while  cheering  on  the  troops  under 
his  command.  When  struck  he  was  standing  by  a 
cherry  tree,  which  tree  exists,  in  an  orchard  to  the 
right,  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain-plain. 

From  the  Heights  of  Queenston  an  extensive 
view  of  the  country,  river,  and  lake,  is  presented 
to  the  gaze  of  nature's  admirers. 

Upon  the  most  lofty  pobt  of  Queenston  Heights 
a  monument  was  erected  to  the  memory  of  Gen- 
eral Brock,  by  the  Provincial  Legislature,  and  his 
remains  deposited  within  its  vault 

On  the  night  of  the  seventeenth  of  April,  1840, 
the  monument  was  blown  up  by  some  villain,  or 
villair^,  unknown,  and  completely  ruined.  The 
engrav.ig  on  the  opposite  page  represents  the 
monument  after  the  work  of  destruction  had  been 
done.  In  the  yeaf  1858  the  Canadian  authorities 
racced  the  old  monument,  and  erected  a  plain  and 
substantial  structure,  which  now  stands* 


TUB  OBIQIMAL  BBOOK'S  KONUMBNT,  AB  IT  APPBJLBBD  jLTiMM  IT  WXM 

BLOVirUP. 


P«ttU5 


■H 


116 


DESORIFTIW  GUIDE 


Table  Rock. 


THE  LAST  OF  THE  TABLE  ROCK  AT  NIAGARA. 
THE  WORKING  OF  THE  FALLS. 

The  Falls  of  I^iagara  are  gradually  moving  up 
stream.  The  last  of  the  Table  llock  has  tumbled 
in.  It  was  inevitable.  It  had  to  go.  Kothing 
can  be  more  simple  than  the  work  of  excavation 
which,  from  time  immemorial,  has  been  going  on 
at  Niagara  Falls.  Almost  every  year,  and  fre- 
quenUy  several  times  in  a  year,  some  portion  of 
the  shelf  over  which  the  river  plunges  tumbles  in- 
to the  chasm  below,  creating  some  visible  change 
in  the  grand  curve  of  the  Horse  Shoe,  or  in  the 
irregular  line  of  the  American  Fall. 

The  process,  as  we  have  said,  is  exceedingly 
simple.  The  general  level  of  the  country  of  Lake 
Ontario  is  some  three  hundred  feet  lower  than 
that  of  Lake  Erie.  The  depression  is  abruptly 
marked  by  a  terrace  drawn  across  Niagara  river, 
near  Lake  Ontaricv,  from  which  lake  said  terrace 
appears  like  a  mountain  ridge  stretching  across 
the  country,  the  summit  of  this  ridge  forming  the 
level  of  the  country  of  Lake  Erie.  In  the  original 
outflow  from  Erie  to  Ontario,  then,  tke  river  was 
very  naturally  precipitated  over  this  terrace,  as 


GARA. 

ing  up 
imbled 
fothing 
avation 
)ing  on 
ad  fre- 
tion  of 
bles  in- 
obange 
r  in  the 

edingly 
)f  Lake 
}r  than 
bruptly 
I  river, 
terrace 
across 
nsr  the 
rigiqal 
er  was 
ace,  as 


118 


DB80BIPTIVX  OUIDX 


Table  Rook. 


doTvii  the  side  of  a  mountain.  But  soon  the  fall 
became  perpendicular,  as  the  geological  structure 
of  this  upper  country  viWl  show  in  a  glance  at  the 
sides  of  the  chasm  below  the  present  falls. 

From  Lake  Erie  to  the  descent  near  Ontario, 
the  first  formation  under  the  arable  soil  is  a  mass 
of  primitive  limestone  from  eighty  to  one  hundred 
feet  thick  Underneath  this  a  friable  slate  or  shale 
succeeds*  which  is  underlined  by  sand,  <&c.  The 
liver  finds  it  a  slow  business  to  grind  down  this 
immense  overlapping  plate  of  solid  limestone ;  but 
the  work  of  excavation  is  easy  by  the  simple 
process  of  undermining  it  The  stream  at  first, 
falling  over  the  terrace,  washed  away  the  loose 
materials  at  the  base,  and  from  the  tremendous 
vcdume  of  water  pouring  down,  soon  scooped  oat 
a  deep  basin  at  the  foot  of  the  Fall.  Then'  the 
action  of  water  and  air  combined  rapidly  disinte- 
grated and  moved  away  the  friable  materials  form- 
ing the  back  of  the  Fall,  until  the  overtopping 
layer  of  limestone  was  left  projecting  like  a  shelf 
across  the  stream,  over  which  the  mighty  mass  of 
watera  was  thrown  into  the  chasm  below.  But  as 
the  work  of  disintegration  went  on  underneath,  and 
as  the  pulverized  materials  were  washed  awa^,  this 
impending  shelf  of  limestone,  from  its,  superincum- 


TO  HUOARA  TAIX8. 


119 


Table  Book. 


bent  weight)  broke  off  and  fell  into  the  basin;  and 
thus  the  Niagara  Falls  have  undoubtedly  been 
working  their  way  up  streaiia  for  several  thousand 
years. 

In  this  way  the  deep  and  narrow  gorge,  or 
canon,  of  some  nine  or  ten  miles  from  the  Falls 
to  the  lower  country,  has  been  cut  out  The 
masses  of  rocks  which  form  the  fearful  rapids  down 
this  awful  passage,  are  but  the  fragments  from  the 
common  level  of  the  cliffs,  which,  on  each  side,  in- 
dicate a  solid  body  of  limestone  of  from  eighty  to 
one  hundred  feet  in  thickness.  The  same  process 
accounts  for  the  Table  Rock  and  its  fall.  In  the 
course  of  years  another  table  rock  will  thus  be 
formed,  projecting  over  the  water,  and  admitting 
of  a  state  passage  under  it  between  the  falling 
river  in  front  and  the  crumbling  wall  behind  it; 
but  this,  too,  as  its  basis  is  removed,  will,  from  the 
elementary  laws  of  gravitation,  tumble  mto  the 

gul£ 

The  work  of  retrogradation  at  Niagara  is  slower, 
as  we  should  judge,  at  this  time  than  ever  before. 
The  intervention  of  an  island  has  divided  the  stream, 
and  the  great  width  of  the  Canadian  branch  alone 
has  diminished  the  excavating  force  of  the  river  to 
less  than  half  its  power  when  the  Falls  were  a 


120 


DBSORIFTXVB  OT7IDB 


Table  Rock. 


mOe  lower  down,  and  tbe  whole  overplus  of  Lake 
Erie,  was  concentrated  into  a  chan;iel  of  some 
eight  hundred  feet  wide.  From  the  American 
shore  to  the  Canadian,  including  the  island,  the 
circuit  of  the  Falls  now  is  extended  to  neariy  a 
mile.  But  they  illustrate  at  a  glance  their  future 
plan  of  operations.  Comparatiyely  a  light  body  of 
water  passes  over  the  American  channel,  insuffi- 
cient to  scoop  out  a  bed  for  the  broken  limestone  as 
it  tumbles  in.  It  therefore  lies  piled  up  in  rugged 
masses  above  the  surface  of  the  watef  where  it  has 
fallen.  This  branch  of  the  river,  too,  has  dropped 
a  third  of  a  mile  or  more  behind  the  Canadian, 
from  the  same  cause ;  the  lack  of  the  motive  power 
to  do  the  work.  It  will  be  observed,  dlso,  that 
the  centre  of  the  Horse  Shoe  is  gaining  rapidly 
upon  the  sides,  the  heaviest  body  of  water  being 
in  the  centre.  The  Horse  Shoe  will  thus  probably 
reach  the  head  of  Goat  Island,  and  absorb  the 
water  of  both  channels,  before  the  American  Fall 
shall  have  made  a  hundred  yards  further  up 
stream.  In  this  event  the  village  of  Niagara  Falls 
will  be  left  high  and  dry,  and  Gpat  Island  will  be- 
come part  of  the  main  land. 


TO  KIAQARA  FALLS. 


121 


Hermit  of  tbe  Falla. 


HERMIT  OF  THE /FALLS. 

HIS  ARRIVAL  AT  NIAGARA — EFFECT  OF  THE  SCENE- 
RY— HIS  HABITS,  MANNERS,  AND  ENDOWMENTS-^ 
RESIDENCE  AMD  DEATH OTHER  PARTICULARS. 

'*  But  soon  he  knev  himself  the  most  unfit 
Of  men,  to  herd  with  Man,  with  whom  he  held 
Little  in  common ;  untaught  to  submit 
His  thoughts  to  others,  though  his  anal  was  quelled 
In  youth,  by  his  own  thoughts;  still,  uncompelled, 
He  would  not  yield  dominion  of  his  mind 
To  spirits  against  whom  his  own  rebelled; 
Pfoud,  though  in  desolation ;  which  could  find 
A  lift  within  itself,  to  breathe  without  mankind.'* 

Francis  Abbott,  the  Hermft  of  the  Falls,  whose 
unsocial  life,  and  untimely  hie,  have  made  a  deep 
impression  upon  the  pubUo  mind,  may  justly  claim 
the  courtesy  of  a  notice,  far  more  lengthy  than 
our  limits  will  permit— we  must  be  brief.  There 
is  a  charm  in  every  mystery  that  attracts  observa- 
tion, and  excites  curiosity.  His  character  is  a  seal- 
ed volume— his  life  scarcely  less  so— both  are  in- 
explicable. The  written  pages  of  his  heart  and 
mind  are  open  to  the  All-seeing  alone. 

In  humble  guise,  he  came  to  Niagara  in  1829, 
to  remain,  perhaps,  for  a  week.  He  grew  enam- 
ored of  the  place.    The  glorious  scenery  wooed  his 


122 


DBSORIPTZViBi  OUIDB 


Hermit  of  the  Fftils. 


i 


melancholy  spirit  by  its  sublimv*;  grandeur.  His 
visit  was  prolonged, — moiith  after  month  rolled 
away,  and  still  he  lingered  upon  i1;s  sounding  shores. 
Shunning  all  society  but  the  companionsnip  of 
nature ;  with  her  only  could  his  soul  stoop  to  be 
intimate.  The  darkest  seclusions,  the  most  dan- 
gerous paths,  and* the  most  august  scenes,  alone 
seemed  to  posses?  charn  s  for  his  idiosyncracy  of 
mind. 

Learned,  accomplished,  traveled,  gifted  with 
personal  beauty,  conventional  elegance,  and  singu- 
lar powers  of  pleasing,  wliy  should  he  withdraw 
from  communion  with  his  kind,  and  choose  Nature 
and  Solitude  for  hii  only  ministers?  Music  and 
letters  were  the  only  luxuries  in  which  he  in- 
dulged : — rhis  music  was  hushed  when  a  step  ap- 
proached,— ^whatever  he  wrote  was  destroyed  al- 
most as  soon  as  written. 

Sometimes,  but  rarely,  he  would  converse,  and 
eloquence  seemed  to  sit  upon  his  tongue — more 
frequently,  he  would  indulge  in  moody  silence,  re- 
pelling every  attempt  to  engage  him  in  discourse. 
He  was  not  misanthropic,  loi'  he  did  not  hate  or 
despise,  but  only  avoid,  his  fellow  men.  He  was 
icubued  with  a  deep  sense  of  religion,  and  led  a 
blamele?^  life. 


■aW'i  *  1 1 1  i;w>tt-Ja*L;-;',?-ti.'«i.'^  riiimiMOw 


TO  NIAGARA  FALLS. 


123 


Hermit  of  the  Falls. 


He  asked  permission  to  biiild  a  hut  on  one  of 
the  Three  Sisters,  which  he  desired  to  insolate  by 
a  drawbridge,  but  was  refused.  He  lived  on  Iris 
Island  about  twenty  months,  in  an  old  house  yet 
standing;  and  when  driver*  from  that,  by  the  in- 
trusion of  a  family,  he  erected  a  hut  on  the  brow 
of  the  bank,  below,  but  near  Prospect  Point,  in 
which  he  residea  till  his  death,  which  occurred  in 
June,  1831.  He  went  into  the  river,  below  the 
Falls,  to  bathe,  according  to  his  usual  custom,  and 
was  shortly  missed  by  the  ferryman.  His  body 
Vas  found  at  Fort  Niagara,  ten  days  after  his  de- 
cease, and  removed  to  the  Falls  for  burial.  His 
age  was  about  twenty-eight  years. 

An  allowance,  ample  for  his  maintenance,  was 
furnished  by  his  friends  in  England, — his  father  is 
rector  of  a  parish  in  that  country.  Little  else  is 
known  of  his  history,  than  we  have  here  related.  His 
unsocial  and  other  eccentricities,  have  given  him 
the  title  of  'Hermit  of  the  Falls,'  and  much  curiosi- 
ty is  manifested  by  visitors,  as  to  his  character  and 
habits.  He  sleeps  in  death,  by  the  scenes  he  loved 
while  living,  peace  to  his  repose! 


II  mwmn.miiiiiu 


124 


DSSCRfFflVB  GmDV 


Hermit  of  tlie  Falb. 


THE  HERMIT  OF  THE  FALLS. 


It  was  tbe  leafy  montli  of  June, 
And  joyous  nnturo,  all  in  tune, 

With  wreatliing  buds  was  dressed. 
As  towards  Niagara's  fearful  side 

A  youthful  stranger  pressed. 
tHis  ruddy  cheek  was  blanch'd  with  awe* 
And  scarce  ho  seemed  his  breath  to  draw, 

While,  bending  o'er  its  brim, 
He  mark'd  its  strong,  unfathom'd  tide* 

And  heard  its  thunder-hymn. 

His  measured  week  too  quickly  fled,  > 
Another  and  another  sped; 
And  soon  the  summer  rose  decay'd. 
The  moon  of  autumn  sank  in  sliade; 
Tears  tilled  their  circle,  brief  and  fair. 
Yet  still  the  enthusiast  linger'd  there, 

Till  winter  hurl'd  its  dart. 
For  deeply  round  his  soul  was  wove 
A  mystic  chain  of  quenchless  love. 

That  would  not  let  him  part. 

When  darkest  midnight  veil'd  the  sk}*. 
You'd  hear  his  hasting  step  go  by, 
To  gain  the  bridge  beside  the  deep, 

That  thread-like  o'er  the  surge 
Shot,  where  the  wildest  torrents  leap* 

And  there  upon  its  awful  verge, 
His  vigil  lone  to  keep. 


pywM^ 


VO  KIAGARA  FALLS. 


125 


Hennit  of  the  Falls. 


And,  when  the  moon,  descending  low, 

Hung  on  the  flood  that  gleaming  bow. 

Which  it  would  seem  some  angel's  hand, 

With  heaven's  own  pencil,  tinged  and  spannM, 

Pure  symbol  of  a  better  land. 

He,  kneeling,  poured  in  utterance  free 

The  eloquence  of  ecstasy; 

Though  to  his  words  no  answer  came. 

Save  that  one  E'^erlasting  name 

Which*  since  creation's  morning  broke, 

Niagara's  lip  alone  hath  spoke. 

When  wli^t'ry  tempests  shook  the  sky. 

And  the  rent  pine-tree  hurtled  by. 

Unflinching  'mid  the  storm  he  stood. 

And  marked  sublime  the  wrathful  flood. 

While  wrought  the  frost-king  fierce  and  drear,  > 

His  palaje  mid  those  cliffe  to  rear, 

And  strike  the  massive  buttress  strong, 

And  pile  his  sleet  the  rocks  a        i^, 

And  wasteful  deck  the  branches  bare 

With  icy  diamonds,  rich  and  rare. 

Nor  lacked  the  hermit's  humble  shed 

Such  comforts  as  our  natures  ask 

To  fit  them  for  our  daily  task, — 
The  cheering  fire,  Ihe  peaceful  bed— 
The  simple  meal  in  season  spread; 

While  by  the  lone  lamp's  trembling  light. 
As  blazed  the  hearth-stone  clear  and  bright, 
O'er  Homer's  page  he  hung, 

Or  Maro's  martial  numbers  scanned; 

For  classic  lore  of  many  a  land 
Flowed  smoothly  o'er  his  tongue; 
Oft,  with  wrapt  eye  and  skill  profound. 
He  woke  the  entrancing  viol's  sound. 

Or  touched  the  swoot  guitar; 

For  heavenly  music  deigned  to  dwell 
An  inmate  in  his  cloister'd  cell, 


126 


DESORIPTIVK  QUIDS 


Hermit  of  the  Falls. 


As  beamfci  the  solemn  star 

All  night,  with  meditative  eyes, 

Where  some  lone  rock-bound  fountain  lies. 
As  through  the  groves  with  quiet  tread 
On  his  accustomed  haunt  he  sped. 

The  mother  thrush,  unstvtled,  sUng 

Her  descant  to  her  callow  young; 

And  fearless  o'er  his  threshold  pressed 

The  wanderer  from  the  sparro\.  -s  nest; 

The  squirrel  raised  a  sparkling  eye, 

Kor  from  his  kernel  cared  to  fly 

As  pass'd  that  gentle  hermit  by. 

No  timid  creature  shrank  to  meet 

His  pensive  g]ance  serenely  sweet; 

From  his  own  kind  alone  ho  sought 

The  screen  of  solitary  thought 

Whether  the  world  too  harshly  pressed 

Its  iron  o'er  a  yielding  breast, 

Or  taught  his  morbid  youth  to  |.     . « 

The  pang  of  unrequited  love. 

We  kuow  not,  for  ne  never  said 

Aught  of  the  life  that  erst  he  led. 

On  Iris  isle,  a  summer  bower 
He  twined  with  branch,  and  vine,  and  flower; 
And  there  he  mused,  on  rustic  seat« 
Unconscious  of  the  noonday  beat; 
Or  'neath  the  crystal  water  lay, 
Luxuriant,  in  the  &v.  immer's  play. 
Yet  once,  the  whelming  flood  grew  strong. 
And  bore  him  like  a  weed  along. 
Though  with  convulsive  throes  of  paiu 
And  heaving  breast,  he  strove  in  vain; 
Then  sinking  neath  the  infuriate  tide, 
Lone  as  he  lived,  the  hermit  died. 

On,  hj  the  rushing  current  swept. 
The  lifeless  corse  its  voyage  kept, 
To  where  in  narrow  gorge  compressed 
The  whirling  eddies  never  restf 


TO  NIAGARA  FALL& 


127 


Hmnit  of  th«  Falb. 


But  boil  with  wild  tnmuituoos  sway, 
The  maelstrom  of  Niagara; 
And  thiere  within  that  rocky  bound. 
In  swift  gyrations  round  and  round. 

Mysterious  course  it  held; 
Now  springing  from  the  torrent  hoarse, 
Now  battling  as  with  maniac  force. 

To  mortal  strife  compelled. 

Right  fearful  'neath  the  moonbeam  bright. 
It  was  to  see  that  brow  so  white. 
And  liaark  the  ehastly  dead 
Leap  upward  £om  his  torture  bed. 

As  if  in  passion  gust, 
And  tossing  wild  with  agony, 
Tq  mock  the  omnipotent  decree 

Of  dust  to  dust 


/- 


At  length  when  smoother  waters  flow. 

Emerging  from  the  gulf  below, 

The  hapless  youth  they  gained  and  bore 

bad  to  nis  own  forsaken  door, 

There  watch'd  his  dog  with  straining  eye. 

And  scarce  would  let  me  train  pass  by; 

Save  that,  with  instinct's  rushing  spell, 
Thri'U^h  the  changed  cheek's  empurpled  hue, 
JLr*u  stiff  and  stony  form,  he  knew 

The  master  he  nad  loved  so  welL 

The  kitten  fair— whose  graceful  wile 
So  oft  had  won  his  musing  smile. 
As  at  his  foot  she  held  her  play-^ 
Stretched  on  his  vacant  pillow  lay; 

While  strewed  around,  on  board  and  chair. 
The  last  plucked  flower,  the  book  last  read» 
The  ready  pen,  the  page  outspread. 
The  water-cruse,  tlie  unbroken  bread. 

Revealed  how  sudden  was  the  snare 
That  swept  him  to  the  dead. 


128 


DBSOBIPTIVE  r    IDE. 


Hermit  of  the  Falls- 


And  80  ho  rests  in  foreign  earth. 
Who  drew  mid  Albion's  vales  his  birth. 
Yet  let  no  cynic  phrase  unkind 
Oondemn  tliat  youth  of  gentle  mind. 
Of  shrinking  nerve  and  lonely  heart, 
And  lettered  lore  and  tuneful  art, 

Who  here  his  humble  worship  paid. 
In  that  most  glorious  temple-shrine. 
Where  tp  the  majesty  divine 

Nature  her  noolest  altar  made. 
No,  blame  him  not,  but  praise  the  Power 
Who  in  the  dear,  domestic  bower, 
Hath  given  you  firmer  strength  to  rear 
The  plants  of  love  with  toil  and  fear, 
The  beam  to  meet,  the  blast  to  dare. 
And  like  a  faithful  soldier  hear. 
Still  with  sad  heart  his  requiem  potlr. 
Amid  the  cataract's  ceaseless  roar, 
Not  grudge  one  tear  of  pitying  ^loom, 
To  dew  the  sad  enthusirist's  tomo. 


c: 


L.  H.  SiGomtKiT. 


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Maxwell's  NoyoJs !   Juat  Bablished ! 


O'BALliOBAN  AND  HIS  MAH, 

By  W.  H.  if  Axwttt,  Bsqt^ 

Author  i>f  f<  <S|#t^  INN^P^^   **  8jk»r%0  o|JrM«r|<M|*'  fte. 
Complete  In  one  vol.  Of  416  vp.^  wltli  oMii  fliiiifttloMk 

j»|QOK  80  OBNTO;  r 

♦.•  A  fine  edition  <rf  «  OTWlofWi*  Is  p^bUah^d,  handfomely  bound 
in  doth,  gilt,  with  2ft  steel  engnttings.    Pttte  fl^. 


Sf>Cf 

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■    KOTIOXS  OF  THB  PEVS8. 

This  in  one  of  the  beat  of  all  the  Irish  norela — full  of  spirit,  ftxn, 
drollery,  and  wit,  and  embellished  by  numerous  engravings.— Osur. 
mud  Enquirer, 

In  all  the  lands  whkie  feme  has  flourished,  or  fun  is  flot^.nbJnflt— 
#1ieTe  merriment  draws  open  the  jaws  wtHi  i  im^  et  palhos  drawf 
downiheeyslidiwlthetear— liiftteisnoddi^wd'Halloran"  will 

beemne  a  fororite  with  all  readen.— Jtfirrw. 

Hot  a  ^age  can  be  tead  without  dispelliiig  ^e  blues,  and  putting  a 
misanfkf^  In  the  best  of  hombr.  loTer  and  XasweS,  the  IkUiffl 
respeetiTe  of  **  Handy  Andy  »•  and  « CyHalloran,"  ai%  kindred  spbit^ 
and  worthy,  Uke  Botts  and  the  CH>taln>  to  sleep  in  the  same  bed. 
Whoever  would  "lau^h  and  grow  fli^*  should  read  the  iftay  W 
0'Ballozan*8  adTentures.— JBlreol^  JEiflf . 


CA7T.  mmMwm 

Military  aAd  MatrimoBial  Ady^itnres. 

By  W.  H.  Uaxw^l,  Es^., 
Auth<»  of  «0*iIaUoran  and  His  Han,**  elo. 

CofBplotiB  lii  one  toI^  wtth  etiMa  iBmiimiliNi* 

For  8alo  by  afl  Bodkaellera. 
Copies  mailed  upon  receipt  of  priee. 

JL.  BtJBXSy  Publisher,  Buiklo. 


^, 


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"Kan  is  the  onljr  animal  endowed  with  the  &eulties  of  laughter, 
and  why  diould  he  not,  then,  on  all  flttinr  occaaionii,  carry  out  the 
luqppy  oesiffns  of  hia  erea^on  ?  He  8h<|uld  t  he  should  I  and  not 
merely  with  the  crnical  grin  of  a  dvspcptio  hyena  neither,  but  in 
good,  round  hUanous  window- ratttbig  ottrat ;  «uch,  almost  every 
page  of  Lover's  Irish  stories  will  tbMw  him  into." 


4^■^BROVO«IWO  BOOKS. 


TOK  CEOSBIE  AXD  HIS  F&IEirDS. 

By  Samuel  iiOYBR,  Esq.  ^ 
CMnplefe  In  one  vol*    lllnntrftted*     Pi;iee  ffO  t'en|«. 


NOfr   READY,  * 

POUNDS,  Sa]$LINOS  ANP  PENCE, 

Or  Irish  Heira. 

By  Samuel  LoYXA,  Esq. 

CkHBiplote  In  «m»  vv^f  ifeiet  Ulostratlonii*   f rice  50  cento. 

Kor  sale  bj  all  BookaeUen;. 

\*  Copies  malted  upon  iswjeipt  of  price. 

r^^  HANDTANPT, 

By  Samuel  Lots&,  Efi«|;  ^ 

Oemplete  tn  one  vol*  H^vv**  larffe  tn»e.   Illnfltifated. 

PRIOE  50  CENTS. 

\*  Also  a  fine  edition  of  **  Handy  JiXkdj,"  p  on  superior  pa- 

per, with  22  steel  engrarings*  designed  by  th.  .ciior,  in  two  vols. 
Price  60  cants  a  Tol.  \ 

%*  A  bound  edi|^  of  Handy  An^  is  now  ready,  in  handsome 
gilt  cloth,  with  a^^e'engravlhgs.    Price  #1*S6. 

NQTrpsa. 
*«  This  boy  Handy  will  be  the  death  of  us.    What  is  the  police  force 
about  V>  allow  the  uttering  pf  a  publication  that  has  alieady  brought 
«t|  to  tte  briidE  of  apk>ple:^ fifty  times ?^  Grftvrpeople^  undertakers, 
Aixtn&s,  and  ^0  liM, 
lliur 
reni 
vu]sions.''-^<iSp0rfm^ 

"The  ridhestj  radesf^  and  the  most  frolieing  T  ifiix  <^ory  we  hav6 
ever  perused."->£>9n(loii  JomiuU  qf  CbmsMfM.  f\ 

•--    •A.riimgli.PuMid.er.Bu^; " 


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